Malacañang on Friday urged lawmakers to clearly define the term “political dynasty” in the proposed anti-dynasty bill before they could expect an official position from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
“They should first define what a political dynasty is because the President cannot approve or reject the bill if it is not yet fully drafted,” Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro told reporters when asked if Marcos would support the renewed call for the legislation of the proposed measure.
Castro said the President will carefully review the bill once it is completed and has undergone the proper legislative process.
“We need to know first what its provisions are,” she said.
Earlier this week, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan refiled a proposed measure aimed at prohibiting political dynasties in government.
He said the banning of entrenched family rule in politics has long been enshrined in the Constitution but has never been translated into law.
Pangilinan said the bill is intended to “level the playing field” in politics, strengthen democratic processes, and ensure that political power does not remain concentrated in a privileged few.
“Political power and public service must never be treated as a birthright. But without an enabling law, our democracy has been hijacked by dynasties,” he said.
“Leadership should be earned, not inherited,” he added.
The proposed measure, entitled “An Act Defining and Prohibiting Political Dynasties, Providing Penalties Therefor, and for Other Purposes,” seeks the barring of spouses and other relatives within the second degree of consanguinity of an incumbent official from running for any position on both the national and local levels while their relative is in office.
The bill allows any citizen to file a verified petition with the Commission on Elections to cancel the Certificate of Candidacy of a candidate found violating the proposed law.
“Our Constitution is clear — political dynasties must be prohibited,” Pangilinan said. “This bill is about restoring balance, opening the door to new leaders, and upholding the promise of democracy.”
The bill is currently awaiting its number and referral to the appropriate Senate committee.