President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is backing the Supreme Court’s call for Congress to pass legislation prohibiting political dynasties, with Malacañang reiterating that an anti-political dynasty law remains among the administration’s priorities.
Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said on Thursday, September 17, that Marcos wants the measure enacted during his presidency.
The statement followed the Supreme Court’s call for Congress to fulfill its constitutional responsibility to enact a law defining and prohibiting political dynasties. The Court has emphasized that the constitutional provision on political dynasties requires legislative action.
Castro said the President has been pushing for the measure to move forward and wants it approved within his term.
“Talagang ito po ay pinapamadali niya at gusto po niya hangga’t maaari sa panahon po niya ay maipasa ang anti-political dynasty law,” she said.
She added that Marcos agrees with the Supreme Court’s position that legislation addressing political dynasties should be enacted.
“So, tama po na sang-ayon ang Pangulo sa desisyon po ng Supreme Court na dapat pong magkaroon ng batas patungkol sa political dynasty,” she added.
When asked about the status of the proposed legislation, particularly in the Senate, Castro said the timing of its passage ultimately depends on Congress and its legislative process.
She said lawmakers are dealing with several measures and responsibilities, stressing that the Palace does not intend to blame Congress for delays in passing the bill.
“Ang nais lang ipaalam ng Pangulo ay gusto po niya itong maipasa,” Castro said.
Castro also said lawmakers are aware of the Supreme Court’s position and that there is likewise support in Congress for the enactment of an anti-political dynasty measure.
“Pero still, lumabas naman din po ang desisyon ng Supreme Court; alam din po nila, gusto din po naman nila na magkaroon po talaga ng anti-political dynasty law,” Castro said.
The Supreme Court’s position stems from petitions seeking to compel Congress to act on the constitutional provision against political dynasties.
Article II, Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution directs the State to guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.
The Court has also recognized existing legislative action at the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan levels through the anti-dynasty provision of the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act, while the broader constitutional provision remains subject to congressional legislation.
For the Marcos administration, the proposed anti-political dynasty legislation remains part of its stated legislative priorities as Congress considers the measure.