Senator Lacson Advocates for Passage of Anti-Political Dynasty Bill

Senator Panfilo Lacson is championing the Anti-Political Dynasty Act of 2025, which seeks to implement the 1987 Constitution’s provision that ensures equal access to public office and restricts political dynasties. In a radio interview, Lacson detailed Senate Bill No. 35, which prohibits spouses or relatives up to the second degree of consanguinity or affinity of an incumbent seeking reelection from running for office within the same city or province during the same election cycle.

The senator emphasized, "This proposed measure aims to balance the electorate’s sovereignty with the need to curtail political dynasties. It aligns with the constitutional principle that laws must be interpreted in a way that breathes life rather than kills the spirit of democratic participation."

Specifically, the bill bars the spouse or any close relative—whether legitimate or illegitimate—from simultaneously holding or running for an elective position in the same locality as the incumbent. It also extends this prohibition to two or more individuals with political dynasty ties seeking office concurrently within the same city or province, even if neither is directly related to the incumbent.

Lacson highlighted the longstanding absence of legislation to enforce the Constitution’s anti-political dynasty clause. "Dominant political families have transformed government roles into their exclusive domains, creating localized monopolies and undermining electoral fairness," he stated. "Despite multiple attempts since the 8th Congress to enact reforms, no law restricting political dynasties has been passed."

The senator recently accepted the chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms and People's Participation, a position offered by Senate leadership to bolster efforts toward comprehensive electoral reforms.