Comelec Chairman Garcia believes anti-dynasty law passage is near

As the House of Representatives began deliberations on the proposed anti-political dynasty law, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Erwin Garcia expressed confidence that its passage is drawing near.

Garcia said the measure is gaining momentum following what he described as concerted efforts from the President, the Senate, and Congress.

“I believe that it will not be far from approval because we are seeing the concerted efforts of the President, the Senate, and Congress,” Garcia said.

He noted that the more challenging aspect of the proposed law lies in its technical details, particularly in defining the scope and level of disqualification that would constitute a political dynasty. Garcia said forming small groups or a technical working group (TWG) would be the appropriate approach to craft precise language, which could then be proposed to Congress for approval.

“Since the President has already expressed support, the legislative process should no longer encounter major difficulties. The Speaker of the House and the Majority Floor Leader have also sponsored the anti-political dynasty law,” Garcia said.

Garcia stressed that the most important step is to initiate the process, citing the passage of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Reform Law as an example.

“Alam niyo po, ang pinakaimportante sa lahat, katulad ng nangyari sa SK Reform Law, ay basta may masimulan lang. Ang importante ay masimulan po. Hindi mahalaga kung malawak agad ang saklaw. Hindi na bale kung hindi muna covered ang lahat,” he said.

He reiterated that what matters most is that the measure advances, noting that it can be amended or expanded through additional provisions in the future.

Garcia also pointed out that the 1987 Constitution explicitly states, as a matter of policy, that political dynasties are not allowed.

“It is stated in the Constitution—the most powerful law of the land—that political dynasties are not allowed, and Congress was directed to define and implement this through legislation,” Garcia said, adding that the mandate of the people on the matter is clear.

He added that House leaders have been discussing the challenges and timeline for passing the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Law, including the need to clearly define what constitutes a political dynasty while balancing possible limitations on the people’s right to choose their leaders.