Marcos Jr. Still Backs Anti-Political Dynasty Bill; Awaits Senate Action

MALACAÑANG on Wednesday said President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. remains committed to the passage of an anti-political dynasty law despite not mentioning the measure in his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA). “Yes, that remains the President’s desire during his term and administration,” Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro told reporters in Filipino. She said the administration is waiting for the Senate to act on the measure before it can proceed to a bicameral conference committee. The House of Representatives approved House Bill No. 8389 or the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Act on third and final reading on June 3 and is awaiting Senate action. The bill will bar relatives within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity from simultaneously running for or holding elective posts in the same locality. The measure is among the priority bills endorsed by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council to implement the Constitution’s provision prohibiting political dynasties. Critics, however, have argued that the House version is too narrow because it would still allow members of the same political family to hold elective positions in different jurisdictions. Ms. Castro said the President’s position on the proposal has not changed despite its omission from his SONA. The 1987 Constitution directs the state to prohibit political dynasties “as may be defined by law,” but Congress has yet to enact an implementing measure. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking