BACOLOD City — Mayor Greg Gasataya has expressed support for the National Government’s ongoing dialogues and consultations on proposed anti-political dynasty measures, emphasizing the need for fairness, stronger democratic institutions, and restored public trust in governance.
Gasataya said the discussions are a necessary step toward crafting a clear and principled framework that ensures equal opportunity for all qualified Filipinos to serve in public office.
“As someone who comes from an ordinary family — the son of a jeepney driver and a church worker — I welcome these dialogues,” the mayor said. “Public office is a mandate granted by the people. Regardless of background, social status, or connections, every qualified Filipino must be afforded an equal opportunity to serve.”
He stressed that leadership should be determined by competence, integrity, and the free and informed choice of the electorate, rather than political lineage or influence.
The mayor also expressed appreciation to the Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms and People’s Participation, chaired by Sen. Risa Hontiveros, for bringing the discussion to Bacolod. He noted the importance of engaging local communities — particularly the youth — in conversations that shape the country’s democratic future.
“These discussions are necessary to establish a clear and principled framework that upholds fairness, strengthens our democratic institutions, and restores public trust,” Gasataya said.
Hontiveros’ committee held its third public consultation on proposed anti-political dynasty measures at the Alijis Campus of Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU) in Bacolod City on February 13, marking the first time the consultations were conducted in the Visayas.
The public consultation gathered a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including local government officials, former legislators, lawyers, professors, labor leaders, and student representatives from across Negros Occidental. The Bacolod leg followed earlier sessions in Luzon, reflecting the committee’s effort to include regional voices in the national debate.
The proposed “Kontra Dinastiya” bill seeks to curb the influence of entrenched political families by limiting the number of relatives who may simultaneously hold public office.
Four Senate bills are currently under deliberation by the panel: Senate Bill No. 18, titled “An Act Defining and Prohibiting Political Dynasties, Providing Penalties Therefor, and for Other Purposes,” authored by Sen. Robinhood Padilla; Senate Bill No. 35, “An Act Prohibiting the Establishment of Political Dynasties,” filed by Sens. Panfilo Lacson and Erwin Tulfo; Senate Bill No. 285, “An Act Defining and Prohibiting Political Dynasties, Providing Penalties Therefor, and for Other Purposes,” introduced by Sen. Francis Pangilinan; and Senate Bill No. 1548, “An Act Defining Political Dynasty and Prohibiting the Establishment Thereof,” authored by Hontiveros.
The discussions are expected to form part of the committee’s report to the Senate, which will determine the next steps for the proposed legislation.
Hontiveros thanked Negrense stakeholders who joined the consultation, including Mayor Gasataya and Himamaylan City Vice Mayor Justin Gatuslao, among others./PN
