PASIG City Mayor Vico Sotto called on Monday for the urgent passage of an anti-political dynasty law, describing it as a systemic necessity to prevent the concentration of power and the misuse of public resources.
Speaking at a consultative meeting at Tanghalang Rizal in Pasig City on Feb. 9, Sotto argued that the dominance of political families is driven less by talent or competence, but by access to government machinery, which provides an almost insurmountable advantage.
The session was led by Sen. Risa Hontiveros, chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms and People’s Participation.
“This is not against a family, an individual, or a politician. What we are against here is the concentration of power in the hands of a few political elites. What we also oppose is the use of state resources and taxpayers’ money to perpetuate themselves in power,” Sotto said.
The mayor said that even when some members of political families are competent, the system inherently favors candidates with name recognition and access to public funds over highly qualified independent challengers.
“We know the truth. But let’s look at the overall picture. You have a candidate who is excellent, honest, has integrity, competent and capable. But they have no name, no machinery. Their opponent is a member of a political family who may lack knowledge, experience, or skill. In our situation in the Philippines, nine times out of ten, the member of a political family wins. Why? Because they use government resources,” Sotto said.
Beyond electoral disadvantages, Sotto highlighted the personal safety risks faced by those challenging entrenched political interests.
He noted that in several parts of the country, newcomers without political connections face threats of violence when attempting to enter public service.
“In some areas, there are instances of violence. When a newcomer enters politics without connections, their life can be at risk. In many parts of the Philippines, this is the reality. That’s why we need a law to level the playing field and give us the constitutional guarantee of equal access to opportunities for public service,” Sotto said.
The consultation, which brought together students and civil society groups, is part of a broader push to enforce the long-delayed constitutional mandate against dynasties.
Mayor Sotto urged citizens to maintain the pressure on legislators to ensure the bill finally moves forward in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
“I hope Congress will finally be serious, whether in the Senate or the House. But we also know the truth — our citizens, students, and civil society organizations need to join forces to push for an anti-political dynasty law,” he said.
