Deputy Speaker and La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V has defended the House-approved Anti-Political Dynasty Bill, saying it is the most realistic way to implement the Constitution’s prohibition on political dynasties while balancing democratic choice.
Speaking at a media forum, Ortega said the measure may not be the most expansive version proposed by reform advocates, but it is the version most likely to pass into law.
“Siguro ‘yung napasa po naming [anti-political] dynasty bill… 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 has approved on third and final reading House Bill No. 8389, which seeks to prohibit political dynasties by barring spouses and relatives within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity from simultaneously holding or running for elective positions within the same political jurisdiction.
The bill was principally authored by Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III and House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos, and is part of the administration’s priority legislative agenda under the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council.
Under the proposed measure, covered relatives would be prohibited from simultaneously holding elective posts within the same province, city, municipality, district, or barangay. Lawmakers said the policy aims to reduce concentration of political power while preserving voters’ right to choose their leaders.
Ortega said the bill should be viewed as a first but meaningful 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.”
He said the House version adopts a “clustering” approach that limits simultaneous candidacies and holding of office among relatives within the same jurisdiction.
Ortega added that anti-dynasty rules alone are not enough to address deeper governance challenges. He said he had proposed complementary reforms, including higher qualifications for public office and stronger leadership development regardless of family background.
He also called for stronger political parties to reduce turncoatism and strengthen issue-based politics.
“Maganda po na palakasin ‘yung mga partido. Palakasin yung core values, palakasin yung stance ng mga partido,” he said.
Ortega said stronger parties would help reduce personality-driven politics and encourage consistency in policy positions.
“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 pending Senate action. If approved, it will be subjected to bicameral conference committee deliberations before final transmission to the President for signature.