Senators are moving closer to passing a measure that seeks to curb political dynasties, with Senate Electoral Reforms Committee chair Risa Hontiveros saying the proposed law remains on track for approval within the current legislative session.
Hontiveros said discussions on the Anti-Political Dynasty bill are progressing within the Senate, with lawmakers working to reconcile different versions of the measure. She said the timeline remains within reach despite ongoing deliberations on the bill’s final scope.
“Pasok pa rin naman sa desired timeframe na makapagpasa ng batas this session or by late next month, March,” Hontiveros said, referring to the Senate’s target period for passing the bill.
The proposal aims to define and prohibit political dynasties, as mandated by the 1987 Constitution. While the Constitution calls for limits on political dynasties, Congress has yet to enact an enabling law more than three decades later.
Several anti-dynasty bills are currently pending in the Senate, with differing provisions on how far familial restrictions should extend. Some proposals cover relatives up to the second degree, while others push for broader coverage. Hontiveros said her focus is on producing legislation that is both enforceable and meaningful.
“As a member of the Senate, siyempre ipu-push ko ’yung bill ko. And bilang chair naman ng Electoral Reforms Committee sa Senate, basta ang bottom line ko ay makapag-produce kami ng bill na may kwenta,” she said.
Hontiveros emphasized that the committee is weighing concerns raised by fellow senators while maintaining the intent of the constitutional provision to prevent the concentration of political power within families.
The move in the Senate follows renewed calls to act on long-pending electoral reforms. President Bongbong Marcos has previously urged Congress to prioritize the passage of an anti-dynasty law, while separate versions of the measure have also been filed in the House of Representatives.
Senate leaders said committee discussions are expected to continue in the coming weeks as lawmakers aim to finalize a version of the bill that can secure majority support before the session ends.
