MANILA – Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Wednesday said ending political dynasties in the Philippines could help address widespread corruption and poverty, as he pushed for the passage of an anti-political dynasty law.

Pangilinan made the remarks during the Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms and People’s Participation hearing, held jointly with the Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes, which tackled anti-dynasty bills filed by Senators Robin Padilla, Panfilo Lacson, Erwin Tulfo, Risa Hontiveros, Bam Aquino, JV Ejercito, and himself.

“So we can say – kung walang dynasty, walang mahirap,” Pangilinan told Dr. Carmel Abao of Ateneo de Manila University when discussing a research paper on the higher prevalence of poverty in communities dominated by “fat dynasties,” referring to political clans where multiple family members hold government positions simultaneously.

He added, “So pwedeng sabihin: Kung walang dynasty, walang korap,” stressing that dismantling dynasties could also curb systemic corruption.

Citing public support for anti-dynasty measures, Pangilinan referenced a Pulse Asia survey from December showing that more than half of Filipinos believe an anti-dynasty law can help solve government corruption.

“Perfect timing ito para ugatin ang mga problema, isulong ang mga solusyon, yung concentration ng kapangyarihan at kayamanan sa Pilipinas,” he said, adding that the law would “level the playing field” and allow “new blood” to enter honest public service.

He contrasted the daily struggles of ordinary Filipinos with the unequal political arena, saying, “Araw-araw, ang mayorya ng ordinaryong mamamayang Pilipino ay lumalaban ng patas para mabuhay—sa bukid, sa karagatan, sa trabaho, sa opisina, sa negosyo. Subalit sa larangan ng politika, hindi patas ang labanan. Lalo na’t ‘pag buong angkan ang kalaban ng iisa o iilang kandidato. Hindi ito makatarungan. Hindi ito demokratiko. Dapat baguhin ito.”

Pangilinan filed Senate Bill No. 285, or the Anti-Political Dynasty Law, which seeks to prohibit spouses and relatives within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity from running or holding public office either simultaneously or consecutively.

He said the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which turns 39 this month, mandates that the State prohibit political dynasties while ensuring equal access to public service.