Comelec hopes for anti-dynasty law before 2026 ends

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is hoping that an anti-dynasty law could be passed before the end of 2026, allowing enough time to clarify any of its provisions.

Comelec chairperson George Garcia made the statement during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum where he expressed support to the proposed measure.

"Si Comelec sumusuporta sa isang batas na magpapatupad ng prohibisyon on political dynasty. Ang pinakausap namin ay sana huwag naman lalampas ng katapusan ng taon sa pangkat napakahirap mag-implement," Garcia said.

(The Comelec supports a law that would prohibit political dynasties. We hope that could be passed by the end of the year, as it would be very difficult to implement.)

Among the provisions that Comelec wanted clarified are whether the prohibition will cover national or local positions, include appointed officials and whether it will include party-list groups.

For Garcia, a second-degree relationship would be easier to identify, considering there may be instances involving illegitimate relationships.

The filing of candidacy for the 2028 national and local elections is set for Sept. 20 to 26, 2027.

Earlier today, the Dapat Isa Lang Coalition launched its online platform for its signature campaign to enact a genuine anti-political dynasty law.

The coalition seeks to prohibit political dynasties up to the 4th civil degree of consanguinity, allowing only one member of a family to hold a national elective office and only one to hold a local elective office at a time.

The Supreme Court has recently directed Congress to enact an anti-political dynasty law at the earliest opportunity, saying its failure to do so for 39 years constitutes grave abuse of discretion.

In June, the House of Representatives passed an anti-political dynasty bill banning relatives up to the second degree of consanguinity or affinity from running for or occupying a post in the same constituency or jurisdiction on final reading. — RSJ, GMA News