Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto has renewed his call for the passage of an anti-political dynasty law, stressing that political power should not be concentrated in the hands of a few families.
Speaking at a consultative meeting of the Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms and People’s Participation in Barangay Caniogan, Pasig, Sotto said the proposed measure is not aimed at any specific family or politician.
“Hindi ito laban sa isang pamilya, indibidwal, o politiko. Ang tinututulan natin ay ang konsentrasyon ng kapangyarihan sa kamay ng iilan,” he said.
Sotto warned that public resources are often used to entrench political control.
“Ginagamit ang makinarya ng pamahalaan at pera ng taumbayan para manatili sa puwesto.”
Now in his third term as mayor, Sotto noted that the Constitution guarantees equal access to opportunities in public service, an obligation he said Congress has “slept on for the past 40 years.”
At least six anti-dynasty bills are currently pending before the Senate panel, which is set to hold further consultations in Laguna, Bacolod, Bulacan, and Cagayan de Oro.
Committee chair Senator Risa Hontiveros said the measure must be practical and supported by both lawmakers and the public, citing its broader social impact.
“Kung saan may konsentrasyon ng kapangyarihan sa iilang pamilya, naroon din ang korapsyon, kahirapan, at kakulangan ng pananagutan,” Hontiveros said.
Malacañang earlier confirmed that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has discussed the proposed law with Executive Secretary Ralph Recto and has urged Congress to prioritize its passage.