Push against political dynasty renewed

Senator Francis Pangilinan has renewed his push against entrenched family rule in politics as he filed a bill seeking to prohibit political dynasties in the country.

- BY HANNAH L. TORREGOZA

Pangilinan said the issue of political dynasty has long been enshrined in the Constitution but never translated into law.

Before the opening of the 20th Congress, the senator filed the bill, “An Act Defining and Prohibiting Political Dynasties, Providing Penalties Therefor, and for Other Purposes,” which aims to ban individuals related within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity from holding or running for public office simultaneously.

The bill is intended to “level the playing field” in politics, strengthen democratic processes, and ensure that political power does not remain concentrated among a privileged few, according to the senator.