Recto Optimistic Anti-Dynasty Bill Could Pass Before 2028 COC Filing
RALPH RECTO – The long-standing debate over political dynasties resurfaced after Executive Secretary Ralph Recto expressed optimism that an anti-dynasty bill could finally move forward before the 2028 elections.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto has expressed confidence that an anti-dynasty bill could be approved by Congress ahead of the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the 2028 national elections, signaling renewed momentum for a long-debated reform measure.
In a chance interview at Malacañang on Wednesday, Recto said the proposed anti-dynasty law is currently being reviewed by the Office of the President, the Senate, and the House of Representatives. According to him, discussions are ongoing to craft a version of the measure that would be acceptable to lawmakers while still addressing the core issue of political monopolies.
Photo Source: Inquirer
“So I think as long as it’s not too extreme and the idea is to move the needle, so to speak, we should be able to come up with a version of an anti-political dynasty,”
he also said when asked if it can be passed before the COC filing.
The push for the bill gained traction after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in December 2025, urged Congress to prioritize four key legislative measures, one of which was the proposed anti-dynasty law. The measure seeks to curb the dominance of political families in government and promote fairer access to public office.
Under the proposed provisions, individuals related by blood or marriage up to the fourth degree to a sitting nationally elected official would be barred from running for or holding another national elective position. Supporters argue that such restrictions are necessary to level the political playing field and strengthen democratic institutions.
However, concerns have been raised about the implementation of the bill. Commission on Elections Chair George Garcia pointed out several issues surrounding the various anti-dynasty proposals filed in Congress, particularly the differences in penalties and the possibility of legal loopholes.
Photo Source: SERP
Garcia clarified that the poll body would not interfere with Congress’ authority to define restrictions on political dynasties. Still, he emphasized the importance of clearly identifying the penalty for violations.
“With all the 21 bills, there are different remedies offered if you can look at it. Some use disqualification. Some opted for cancellation. But disqualification and cancellation have different implications,”
Garcia said.
“Maybe they expect that this will lead to removal automatically. We will have a problem with that,”
he pointed out.
“If it’s cancellation of candidacy, that is stated under Section 78 of the Omnibus Election Code. That is imposed due to material misrepresentation of a fact that, under the law, it must be declared by the candidate,”
he explained.
“And what is that fact? Section 74 of the Omnibus Election Code refers to the contents of the certificate of candidacy, and political dynasty is not part of what they have to declare,”
he specified.
As deliberations continue, lawmakers face the challenge of crafting a measure that is both enforceable and constitutionally sound ahead of the 2028 elections.
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