Party‑list bloc vows push for tougher anti-dynasty measure

A GROUP of party‑list lawmakers on Monday said they are preparing a “plenary offensive” to push for a version of the anti‑dynasty bill they deem fit for approval in the House of Representatives, vowing to aggressively pursue a broader ban on political families.

In a statement, Akbayan Party-list lawmakers said they will push for an anti-dynasty bill aligned with the 1987 Constitution, rejecting efforts to pass a version of the proposal that could still allow political families to proliferate.

“Our proposed recommendations seek to strengthen the measure by closing loopholes long exploited by political families to remain in power and by expanding the scope of the proposal,” Party-list Rep. Percival V. Cendaña said in a statement, joined by fellow lawmakers Jose Manuel Tadeo “Chel” I. Diokno, Dadah Kiram Ismula and Dinagat Islands Rep. Arlene Bag-ao.

Lawmakers are currently assessing bills aimed at curbing political dynasties, with a Senate bill seeking to bar second-degree relatives from running or succeeding immediately. The House last week approved a similar measure that analysts have said is weaker and allows families to monopolize seats across the government.

The House Suffrage and Electoral Reforms Committee passed an unnumbered substitute bill that would bar spouses and relatives up to second-degree consanguinity and affinity from occupying elective posts simultaneously but leaves out a provision that would prohibit successive postings.

The Akbayan Party-list lawmakers said they will push for a political ban up to fourth-degree relatives and bar succession among family members. They will also seek to include party-list groups in the scope of a proposal to prohibit dynasties.

Amendments to include criminal charges against politicians seeking to entrench their families in the political system were among the group’s recommendations, urging that such acts be considered an offense under the country’s election code.

“A strong and effective anti-political dynasty law is essential to strengthening Philippine democracy,” Ms. Bag-ao said. “It must ensure that public office is not confined to a few powerful families but remains open to ordinary citizens who wish to serve.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has made limiting political dynasties a priority after public criticism over alleged misuse of billions of pesos in congressional district funds earmarked for Public Works projects, making it part of his governance reform agenda.

Such a bill has long been pushed in Congress but has repeatedly faltered for a lack of support from a legislature dominated by political families. Eight of 10 lawmakers belong to dynasties, according to a report by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio