DEPUTY Speaker and La Union Rep. Francisco Paolo Ortega V on Saturday defended the House-approved Anti-Political Dynasty Bill, saying it represents the most realistic approach to implementing the Constitution’s mandate against political dynasties while preserving democratic choice.
Speaking at the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City, Ortega said the House version may not be as sweeping as some advocates want, but it stands the best chance of becoming law.
“Siguro ‘yung napasa po naming [anti-political] dynasty bill, ‘yung version po namin na isinulong at naipasa, siguro kumbaga ‘yun ang pinaka-realistic,” Ortega said.
“Kahit papaano may trimming na nangyari although hindi ganoon ka-comprehensive at ganoon ka-dramatic pero ‘yun po ‘yung pinaka-realistic na mas maipapasa,” he added.
The House earlier approved on third and final reading House Bill No. 8389, which seeks to prohibit political dynasties by restricting spouses and relatives within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity from simultaneously seeking or holding elective positions within the same political jurisdiction.
The bill was principally authored by Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III and House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” A. Marcos and is among the priority measures endorsed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. through the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council.
Under the House-approved version, relatives within the prohibited degree may not simultaneously occupy elective positions within the same province, city, municipality, district, or barangay. The bill seeks to curb the concentration of political power while preserving voters’ right to choose their leaders.
The House leader said the measure should be viewed as a significant first step after decades of failed attempts to pass an enabling law.
“Hindi naman po ako magpapaka-hypocrite. Hindi naman po lingid sa taumbayan na ako po ay isang member rin ng political family,” he said.
“Magandang unang hakbang ito. So at least kahit papaano, in the history [of the House], naipasa po sa Kongreso.”
The deputy speaker explained that the House version adopts a clustering approach, preventing close relatives from simultaneously holding multiple elective positions within the same political jurisdiction.
He stressed, however, that anti-dynasty legislation alone will not solve all governance issues.
During deliberations, Ortega said he proposed raising qualifications for public office and encouraging the development of future leaders regardless of family background.
The lawmaker argued that voters should continue to judge candidates based on competence and performance rather than family name alone.
He also called for stronger political parties and a shift toward issue-based politics.
“Maganda po na palakasin yung mga partido. Palakasin yung core values, palakasin yung stance ng mga partido,” Ortega said.
According to Ortega, stronger political parties would help reduce political turncoatism and encourage politicians to remain committed to policy positions instead of personalities.
Ortega acknowledged that Philippine politics remains heavily personality-driven but expressed hope that future generations would focus more on governance and public policy.
“Sana umabot na tayo sa punto na ang tao hindi na nakabase sa politiko kundi sa ginagawa niya sa mga issues na kailangang sagutin,” he said.
The bill is now awaiting action in the Senate. Should the Senate approve its own version, the measure will proceed to bicameral conference committee deliberations before being transmitted to the President for signature.
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