Following President Marcos Jr.'s prioritization of an anti-dynasty bill, Akbayan Rep. Percival Cendaña criticized House versions filed by Speaker Faustino Dy III and Rep. Sandro Marcos, warning they would entrench rather than curb political dynasties by allowing family members to hold positions across government levels—contradicting the 1987 Constitution's intent.
In a December 28 One News interview, Rep. Cendaña said the bills fail public demands. "Parang hindi ito hinihingi ng taong bayan. Ang sabi ng taong bayan, ayaw namin ng dynasty," he stated, urging decisive action over compromise.
Filed December 10, the bills disqualify spouses, siblings, and relatives within the fourth civil degree from simultaneously holding elective office but permit succession, rotation, or service across levels. They define six clusters (national, House, provincial, city, municipal, barangay), allowing relatives in different ones, like president and mayor.
Deputy Speaker Janette Garin called it a "compromise" due to dynasty ties among lawmakers. Cendaña warned it reinforces patronage and corruption, stressing: "This is not a time for compromise. This is a time for actual political will."
Article II, Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution prohibits dynasties but requires enabling legislation, long stalled by dynastic lawmakers.
