MANILA — Senator Kiko Pangilinan called for the urgent passage of the Anti-Political Dynasty Law, saying the 1987 Constitution’s mandate to prohibit political dynasties has been largely ignored for nearly four decades.

“Sa ika-2 ng Pebrero, mag-39 years old na ang 1987 Constitution. Pero sa halos apat na dekada, dinededma lang ang maliwanag na utos nito na ipagbawal ang mga dinastiyang politikal,” Pangilinan said.

He noted that during the December Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. included the Anti-Political Dynasty Law among the administration’s priority measures for 2026.

“Kasama ng pagtutol laban sa kurakot, napakalakas ng sigaw ng bayan: FOBI (fear of being included) sa poverty line. Napakalinaw rin ng datos sa mga pag-aaral na nagsasabing kung saan pinakamalalakas ang dinastiyang politikal, pinakamalalim ang karukhaan. Wala nang palusot ang lulusot sa patuloy na pagkakaantala ng batas,” he added.

Pangilinan urged the Senate leadership to begin hearings on the anti-dynasty bills filed by Senators Risa Hontiveros, Ping Lacson, Robin Padilla, Bam Aquino, JV Ejercito, and himself.

“Kulang na lang ang aksyon. Ito na ang panahong patunayan na seryoso tayo na gusto nating maging paldo ang bansa. Na ang susunod na Pangulo, hindi kabilang ng political dynasty. Dahil kung walang political dynasties, walang mahirap. Nakamasid ang taumbayan, at ‘di na bebenta ang muling pagpapaliban pa,” he said.