Caloocan City 2nd District Representative Edgar “Egay” Erice on Sunday announced he is considering a Supreme Court petition to compel the enactment of an Anti-Political Dynasty Law, expressing deep skepticism over the current legislative efforts in Congress.
Erice argued that the version of the bill currently moving through the House of Representatives might actually “legitimize” dynasties rather than dismantle them.
He further questioned the executive branch’s commitment to the reform.
“Balak ko sana kung hindi ma-actionan ito, iakyat ko na. Isasampa ko sa SC muli tulad ng unprogrammed appropriations upang dapat siguro may definition na ’yan, dapat talaga obligahin ng implementasyon ng gobyerno ang anti-political dynasty law,” Erice said.
“Sa tingin ko, walang political will ang ating Pangulo na isulong ito, sapagkat nakasalalay pa rin sa suporta ng political dynasties ang kanyang pamumuno.”
While House Bill 8389—which prohibits relatives up to the second degree of consanguinity or affinity from holding office simultaneously—is currently under plenary interpellation, Erice believes the measure is destined to stall or be diluted.
POSITION ON VP SARA IMPEACHMENT
The veteran lawmaker also confirmed he will abstain from voting on the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, characterizing the proceedings as a power struggle between two political giants rather than a pursuit of genuine accountability.
”Ito ay simpleng agawan ng kapangyarihan ng dalawang political dynasties. Dynasty ng Duterte at dynasty ng Marcos at ayokong maging kabahagi nung mga alipores ng bawat dinastiya sa kanilang laro,” the lawmaker said.
Despite his refusal to participate in the vote, Erice clarified that his stance is not a defense of the Vice President’s actions, which include allegations of misusing ₱612.5 million in confidential funds and making threats against the President and House leadership.
“Hindi ko sinasabing walang pagkukulang o pagkakamali si VP Sara, pero sa tingin ko, ayoko maging parte nitong moro-moro na ito na labanan ng mga dinastiya at hindi naman talaga ito sa pagsusulong ng accountability,” Erice added.
The House Committee on Justice found probable cause for impeachment last Wednesday, and a plenary vote is expected to determine if the Articles of Impeachment will be transmitted to the Senate.