MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is prepared to certify as urgent the long-stalled anti-political dynasty bill, signaling a potential breakthrough in enforcing the 1987 Constitution’s ban on political dynasties, Malacañang said on Monday.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President supports the passage of the measure and is open to fast-tracking it once lawmakers finalize its provisions following ongoing nationwide consultations.
“Natuwa po ang Pangulo. Nais po ng Pangulo na ma-isabatas po ang anti-political dynasty bill dahil iyan din po ang nais ng ating mga kababayan,” Castro said during a press briefing.
Both the House of Representatives and the Senate are conducting public consultations to gather input before consolidating their respective versions of the proposed law.
Castro said the President would examine the final consolidated bill to determine whether it merits urgent certification — a move that would allow Congress to expedite its approval.
“Kapag po na-ibigay na po iyong version ng dalawang Kongreso para po malaman kung dapat po ba itong i-certify as urgent dahil depende po iyan sa provision, makakaasa po kayo diyan,” she said.
Under the Constitution, Congress is mandated to prohibit political dynasties “as may be defined by law,” but no enabling legislation has been enacted since 1987.
Among the measures under consideration is House Bill 6771, authored by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Ilocos Norte’s Cong. Sandro Marcos. The bill seeks to define political dynasties and limit the number of relatives within specified degrees of consanguinity or affinity who may simultaneously hold elective office.
Marcos earlier directed lawmakers to prioritize key legislative measures, including the proposed ban on political dynasties — a reform long sought by civil society groups advocating broader political competition and equal access to public office./PN
