THE House of Representatives on Thursday said the enactment of an anti-political dynasty law remains a legislative priority, following the Supreme Court’s directive requiring Congress to fulfill its constitutional mandate to define and prohibit political dynasties.
House Speaker Faustino G. Dy III said that Congress is working toward passing a ‘reasonable and constitutional’ measure that would give effect to Article II, Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution, which provides for equal access to opportunities for public service and the prohibits political dynasties as ‘defined by law.’
‘A priority of the new Congress is to enact a fair and constitutional Anti-Political Dynasty Law as part of its duty to give effect to the policies and principles set forth by the Constitution and to advance reforms that expand equal opportunity, strengthen democratic participation, and promote good governance,’ Dy said in a statement.
He said the House had already acted on the matter before the Supreme Court issued its ruling, with House Bill 8389, or the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Act, approved on third and final reading on June 3.
The measure received 267 affirmative votes, 20 negative votes, and seven abstentions. It was transmitted to the Senate on June 8 for further action.
The Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision dated August 26 and announced on Wednesday, ruled that Congress has a constitutional duty to enact an enabling law on political dynasties. The Court noted that the absence of such legislation for 39 years prevented the full implementation of the constitutional provision.
Under the House-approved bill, the prohibition would cover spouses and relatives within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity under specific circumstances involving simultaneous or successive holding of elective positions.
The Senate is also considering its own version of the measure, Senate Bill 1901, which remains pending on second reading.
Dy said the proposed legislation should establish clear and fair guidelines that promote wider participation in public service while recognizing the electorate’s authority to choose their representatives.
‘Thirty-nine years after the ratification of the 1987 Constitution, Congress has a historic opportunity to give fuller legislative effect to a constitutional policy that has long awaited comprehensive implementation,’ he said.
‘The goal is to craft a law that promotes equal opportunity in public service, seeks to prevent the concentration of political power within a few families, and strengthens the accountability and integrity of our democratic institutions,’ he added.
The Speaker said the bill aims to prevent the concentration of political power among a limited number of families while strengthening accountability and democratic institutions.
The measure now awaits further deliberation as Congress works to define the scope and implementation of the constitutional prohibition on political dynasties.
Palace backs SC call
PRESIDENT Marcos has expressed support for the SC’s call for Congress to enact a law prohibiting political dynasties, Malacañang said on Thursday.
Speaking to Palace reporters, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the anti-political dynasty bill remains one of the administration’s priority measures.
Castro stressed that Marcos wants the measure passed into law during his watch.
‘Alam na po natin na ito ang isa sa mga priority bills ng Pangulo. Talagang ito po ay pinapamadali niya at gusto niya hangga’t maaari sa panahon niya ay maipasa ang anti-political dynasty law [We already know that this is one of the President’s priority bills. He is really pushing for its passage, and he wants the anti-political dynasty law to be enacted, if possible, during his term],’ she said.
‘So, tama po na sang-ayon ang Pangulo sa desisyon ng Supreme Court na dapat ng magkaroon ng batas patungkol sa political dynasty [Yes, the President agrees with the Supreme Court’s decision that there should be a law on political dynasties],’ Castro added.
Asked whether the Palace is satisfied with the progress of the measure, particularly in the Senate, Castro said the timeline for its passage is in the hands of Congress.
She said lawmakers could not be blamed for the delay, acknowledging that they have many responsibilities and legislative priorities to attend to.
‘Ang nais lang ipaalam ng Pangulo ay gusto po niya itong maipasa [All that the President wants to make clear is that he wants it to be passed],’ Castro said.
She, however, noted that lawmakers are aware of the SC’s position and also want an anti-political dynasty law to be enacted.
‘Pero still, lumabas naman din po ang desisyon ng Supreme Court, alam din po nila, gusto din naman nila na magkaroon talaga ng anti-political dynasty law [But still, the Supreme Court’s decision has come out, and they are aware of it. They also want an anti-political dynasty law to be enacted],’ Castro said.
The SC has directed Congress to comply with its mandatory constitutional duty to enact a law prohibiting political dynasties ‘at the earliest opportunity.’
In its ruling issued on August 26, the SC emphasized that Article II, Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution, which provides that ‘the State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law,’ is not merely an aspiration but a constitutional command.
The SC stressed that Congress’ prolonged failure to pass such a law for 39 years constitutes grave abuse of discretion.