Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on Wednesday expressed confidence that a version of the proposed anti-political dynasty bill would be passed before the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the 2028 national and local elections.

Speaking to reporters, Recto said the measure could move forward as long as lawmakers avoid proposals that are overly restrictive.

“Palagay ko, basta hindi masyado extreme ang ideas to move the needle, so to speak, dapat may mapasa tayong version ng anti-political dynasty bill (I think that as long as the ideas are not too extreme, so to speak, we should be able to pass a version of the anti-political dynasty bill),” Recto said when asked whether the bill could be approved before the filing of COCs in 2027.

Recto said the proposed legislation is currently being studied by both chambers of Congress as well as the Office of the President, underscoring that it remains a priority of the administration.

“Pinag-aaralan ngayon ’yan ng both House, Senate at Office of the President. So tingnan natin pero priority ’yan (That is currently being studied by both the House, the Senate, and the Office of the President. So we’ll see, but it is a priority),” he said.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. had earlier urged Congress to prioritize the passage of the anti-political dynasty bill, which seeks to implement a long-standing provision of the 1987 Constitution prohibiting political dynasties as may be defined by law.

Several versions of the measure have been filed in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, reflecting renewed legislative interest in addressing political dynasties.

Some lawmakers have also called on the President to certify the bill as urgent, a move that could speed up its passage in Congress.

Malacañang previously said that changes in the country’s political landscape have prompted President Marcos to support the proposed measure.

The administration earlier expressed openness to reforms aimed at broadening political participation and strengthening democratic institutions.