BACOLOD City — The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) here has approved a resolution expressing its strong and urgent support for the immediate enactment of an anti-political dynasty law during its regular session on Tuesday, March 3.
The measure, authored by Councilor Celia Flor, cited the need to uphold constitutional principles and strengthen democratic governance.
The resolution underscores Article II, Section 26 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which mandates that the State guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.
However, the City Council noted that nearly four decades since the Constitution’s ratification, Congress has yet to pass an enabling law to operationalize the prohibition.
Flor said the absence of such legislation has rendered the constitutional provision ineffective and unenforced.
The proposed anti-political dynasty bill currently pending in the Congress of the Philippines seeks to define political dynasties and prohibit spouses and relatives within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity from simultaneously running for or holding elective office in the same jurisdiction, whether national or local.
The measure also provides enforcement mechanisms through the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
In its resolution, the council cited empirical data indicating the widespread dominance of political families in the country.
Statistics presented by Flor showed that approximately 87 percent of provincial governors, 80 percent of district representatives, 67 percent of House members, and 53 percent of mayors are affiliated with political dynasties.
Flor said this trend undermines political competition, restricts broader access to public office, and perpetuates patronage politics and inequality.
The resolution also referenced a recent public hearing on the bill held in Bacolod City, where the measure reportedly received broad community support.
It added that Mayor Greg Gasataya endorsed the proposal, reflecting what the council described as the local electorate’s desire for reforms aimed at expanding political participation and promoting accountable governance.
Copies of the resolution will be transmitted to the Office of the President, the Senate of the Philippines, the House of Representatives, the Comelec, and other relevant national government agencies for their information and appropriate action./PN
