MANILA — Malacañang said rushing the passage of the anti-political dynasty bill without thorough review is “for optics only.”

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro made the remark amid claims that not certifying the priority bill as urgent is merely for show.

“So is the request to study the bill carefully before passing it just for optics? Don’t we want a good law? It should not be rushed,” Castro said, adding that hastily crafted legislation with gaps or loopholes is what truly “for optics only.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed Congress to prioritize the anti-political dynasty bill along with three other measures to strengthen transparency, accountability, and governance.

The proposed bill seeks to bar individuals from running for or holding public office if they have relatives up to the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity who are incumbent officials at the national or local level.

(PNA)