The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has voiced support for the passage of an anti-political dynasty law, recommending that implementation begin at the local level before expanding to national posts.
COMELEC Chairperson George Erwin Garcia said a simplified version of the measure could be adopted first to ensure progress.
“Simplify lang muna. Ang importante sa aking palagay, makapagpatupad lang tayo kahit simple lang muna na anti-political dynasty,” Garcia said in a radio interview on Sunday.
Garcia noted that the concentration of political power in local areas is often cited as a factor that hampers national development, adding that an anti-dynasty measure would widen opportunities for aspiring candidates.
“Kalimitan naman, ang talagang sinasabi na makakapagpaurong sa development ng ating bansa ay kapag ang concentration ng kapangyarihan ay nasa lokal,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Senate Deputy Majority Leader Risa Hontiveros, who chairs the Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms and People’s Participation, said feedback from public consultations will help shape the panel’s report on the proposed legislation.
At present, seven anti-dynasty bills are pending before the Senate committee, with additional measures filed in both chambers of Congress.