A long-delayed proposal to ban political dynasties is gaining momentum after at least 12 senators signed a committee report supporting restrictions on relatives up to the second degree from holding elective posts simultaneously or successively.
Among the signatories were Senate leaders Panfilo Lacson, Migz Zubiri, JV Ejercito, Risa Hontiveros, Kiko Pangilinan, Bam Aquino, Erwin Tulfo, Robin Padilla, Imee Marcos, Lito Lapid, Win Gatchalian, and Loren Legarda.
Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms Chair Risa Hontiveros said more senators may still sign before she formally sponsors the measure in plenary.
“Baka pag-sponsor ko ay may mga mag-signify pa na silang pipirma. I don’t know. Pero I think the timeline is still doable,” she told reporters.
Hontiveros plans to sponsor the bill this week, opening the way for debates throughout March.
The measure would bar spouses, parents, children, acknowledged children outside marriage, and recognized live-in partners from holding elective posts at the same time or in succession.
She clarified that relatives could still run for national and local positions at different levels of government, but party-list representation would be restricted if a second-degree relative already holds office.
“Prohibited pareho ang simultaneous at saka successive holding of positions,” Hontiveros said, noting that enforcement and penalties would be handled by the Commission on Elections.