The push to pass an anti-political dynasty law has gained renewed attention following a Supreme Court ruling directing Congress to fulfill its constitutional mandate to define and prohibit political dynasties.
Senator Risa Hontiveros has urged the Senate to resume deliberations on Senate Bill No. 1901 under Committee Report No. 33, saying lawmakers can build on work already completed instead of starting the legislative process from the beginning.
“Hindi naman kailangang ang bersyon ko ang masunod. Hindi rin mahalaga kung sino ang mag-sponsor. Ang mahalaga, umusad ang batas,” Hontiveros said in a manifestation during Wednesday’s plenary session.
The measure was previously advanced by Hontiveros through the Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms and People’s Participation. Committee Report No. 33 covers a bill titled the proposed law prohibiting political dynasties in national and local elective offices and party-list representation.
Senate records show that the measure had already reached the period of interpellations in plenary.
The administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has also identified the anti-political dynasty measure as a legislative priority. During the December 9, 2025 Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council meeting, Marcos directed Congress to prioritize an anti-dynasty bill alongside other proposed governance reforms.
The Palace subsequently expressed support for nationwide consultations on the measure, with officials saying Marcos wanted the proposed law enacted during his administration. The anti-political dynasty measure was again included among the 21 priority bills approved during the February 2026 LEDAC meeting.
Hontiveros assumed leadership of the Senate committee in January and conducted consultations in several areas, including Pasig City, Calamba City in Laguna, Bacolod City, Marilao in Bulacan and Cagayan de Oro City.
The consultations and committee discussions dealt with key issues surrounding the proposed restrictions, including the degree of family relationship that would be covered and the extent of the prohibition.
Hontiveros said she would respect the authority of the current committee leadership and was willing to turn over the work already undertaken.
“If provisions need to be changed, let us change them. If colleagues have objections, let us hear them. If there are better formulations, let us consider them,” she said.
The House of Representatives had separately approved its version of the anti-political dynasty measure before transmitting it to the Senate.
The renewed push also follows the Supreme Court’s action on petitions seeking to compel Congress to act on the constitutional provision concerning political dynasties. The Court’s docket includes petitions asking it to compel Congress to pass a political dynasty law.
Hontiveros said the Supreme Court’s action provides lawmakers with an opportunity to continue the legislative process using the work already completed.
“We now have a bill that has already gone through committee hearings and has reached the plenary. We do not have to begin again from zero,” she said. “Let us do our part and finish the work.”
The proposed legislation remains subject to further debate, amendments and approval by both chambers before it can be transmitted to the President for consideration.