Garbin: Anti-dynasty law must be anchored on Charter change

Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr. said the proposed anti-dynasty law must be anchored on a constitutional amendment to avoid being struck down by the Supreme Court.

In an exclusive interview on DZRH, Garbin, vice chair of the House committee on constitutional amendments, explained that adding qualifications or disqualifications for candidates through ordinary legislation would be unconstitutional. He cited Supreme Court rulings in Albano vs. Comelec and Social Justice Society vs. Dangerous Drugs Board to support his position.

“Adding statutory qualifications not mentioned by the Constitution is like amending it through legislation, which is unconstitutional,” Garbin said.

While expressing support for the anti-dynasty measure, he stressed the need for reforms that are legally sound and sustainable in the long term.

“Broadening political participation and preventing concentration of powers is constitutionally inspired, and I fully support it. We should ensure reform is legally sustainable,” he added.

Garbin noted that qualifications for elective national positions are “clear, categorical, and exclusive” under the Constitution, emphasizing that Congress “cannot do directly what it cannot do indirectly.”