MANILA – Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan renewed calls for the passage of an anti-political dynasty law, citing constitutional mandate, public clamor, and the need to address deep-rooted problems in governance, as he delivered his opening statement during the second Senate hearing on the proposed measure.

Pangilinan spoke at the hearing of the Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms, chaired by Senator Risa Hontiveros, held at the Pecson Room on February 4, 2026.

“Kasama ang aking panukalang batas, may kabuuang anim na anti-dynasty bills ang naihain na sa Senado,” Pangilinan said, noting that political dynasties have long been linked to challenges facing Philippine democracy, including inequality, elite capture, patronage politics, corruption, and a weakened system of checks and balances.

He said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has also expressed support for prioritizing the issue, recalling that the matter was raised during a Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council meeting last month.

Pangilinan stressed that the passage of an anti-dynasty law has long been mandated by the Constitution, which will mark its 39th anniversary of ratification this February. He noted that numerous anti-dynasty bills have been filed over the years, including one that advanced at the committee level during the 18th Congress when he chaired the Committee on Constitutional Amendments.

“Nagkulang lamang sa oras,” he said, referring to the measure’s failure to reach plenary approval at the time.

He also cited public support for the proposed law, pointing to a Pulse Asia survey conducted in mid-December showing that more than half of Filipinos believe an anti-dynasty law would help address large-scale and systemic corruption in government.

“Higit sa lahat, sa usaping anti-dynasty may clamor para rito,” Pangilinan said, describing corruption as “malawakan” and “unprecedented.”

Pangilinan said the timing is right to tackle what he described as the concentration of power and wealth in the country, arguing that an anti-dynasty measure would help level the political playing field and open opportunities for capable individuals committed to public service.

“Bibigyang puwang din nito ang may kakayahan at tunay na may malasakit sa paglilingkod-bayan,” he said, adding that the measure would allow “new blood” to address long-standing problems in governance.

He contrasted what he described as the daily struggle of ordinary Filipinos to earn a living with what he said was an uneven political arena dominated by powerful families.

“Subalit sa larangan ng politika, hindi patas ang labanan,” Pangilinan said. “Hindi ito makatarungan. Hindi ito demokratiko. Dapat baguhin ito.”

Pangilinan said the objective of the hearing is to refine, advance, and ultimately pass a meaningful and historic anti-political dynasty measure.