Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Saturday urged Congress to act on an anti-political dynasty law following the Supreme Court’s directive that lawmakers fulfill their constitutional duty to prohibit political dynasties.
The Supreme Court ruled that Article II, Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution requires Congress to enact a law defining and prohibiting political dynasties, saying the legislature’s failure to do so for 39 years constitutes grave abuse of discretion. The Court directed Congress to enact the appropriate law “at the earliest opportunity.”
“Malinaw ang ruling ng Korte Suprema: Utos na dapat sundin ang pagbabawal ng Saligang Batas sa political dynasties,” Pangilinan said.
He said political clans have for decades treated public office as a family asset, limiting opportunities for other Filipinos to participate in government.
“Deka-dekada na, itinuturing ng ilang political clan ang pampublikong posisyon na parang ari-arian ng pamilya — na parang family business at private inheritance ang demokrasya,” he said.
“Sinisira ng ganitong sistema ang accountability at inaalis ang patas na pagkakataon para sa mga karaniwang Pilipino na marinig ang boses, at magkaroon din ng puwang sa mesa ng pamunuan,” he added.
The senator said the persistence of political dynasties has consequences beyond elections, citing their impact on the country’s economy and society.
“Matagal na nating sinusuportahan ang malinaw at mahigpit na limitasyon sa political dynasties. Ngayon, kailangang kumilos ang Kongreso. Hindi umiwas, magpaliban, o pahinain ang batas,” he said.
The Supreme Court emphasized that the constitutional provision is not merely aspirational. While Congress retains the authority to define what constitutes a political dynasty and determine the scope of the prohibition, it does not have discretion over whether to enact a law.
Pangilinan said he supports the anti-political dynasty bill filed by Sen. Risa Hontiveros, which is currently being deliberated in the Senate: “Sinusuportahan natin ang anti-political dynasty bill ni Sen. Risa Hontiveros na kasalukuyang tinatalakay sa Senado.”
“Panahon na para wakasan ang political dynasty at bigyang-laya ang demokrasya,” he added.