MANILA, Philippines — A ranking House lawmaker has defended the Anti-Political Dynasty measure passed at the House of Representatives, noting that it is the "most realistic" approach to implementing the Constitution’s mandate against political dynasties while preserving democratic choice.
During a forum in Quezon City on Saturday, Deputy Speaker and La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V said the House version may not be as sweeping as some advocates want, but it stands the best chance of becoming a law.
"Perhaps the anti-political dynasty bill that we passed—the version we pushed for and got approved—is, you could say, the most realistic one. Somehow, some trimming did happen, and although it isn't that comprehensive or that dramatic, it's the most realistic version that actually has a chance of being passed." Ortega, whose family is a political dynasty, added in Filipino.
He further added that the bill should be viewed as a "significant first step" after decades of failed attempts to pass an enabling law.
The measure, filed under House Bill 8389, seeks to prohibit political dynasties by restricting spouses and relatives within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity from simultaneously seeking or holding elective positions within the same political jurisdiction.
Under the House-approved version, relatives within the prohibited degree may not simultaneously occupy elective positions within the same province, city, municipality, district, or barangay (village).
The bill was principally authored by Speaker Faustino Dy 3rd and Majority Leader Sandro Marcos.
