Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto renewed his call on Monday, Feb. 9, for the passage of an anti-political dynasty law, stressing that the proposed measure is meant to curb the concentration of power and the misuse of public resources, not to target specific families or individuals.

“Hindi po ito laban sa isang pamilya, hindi po ito laban sa isang indibidwal o sa isang politiko. Ang nilalabanan po natin dito ay ang concentration ng kapangyarihan sa kamay ng mga iilan lamang (This is not against a family, an individual, or any politician. What we are opposing is the concentration of power in the hands of only a few),” he said.

Sotto said political dynasties often rely on state resources to remain in power, placing ordinary and qualified citizens at a disadvantage.

“Ang nilalabanan at inaayawan po natin dito ay ang paggamit ng resources ng taong bayan. Ginagamit ang makinarya ng pamahalaan para sa pangangampanya nila. Ginagamit ang pera ng taong bayan para hindi na sila maalis sa puwesto (What we are opposing is the use of public resources. Government machinery is used for their campaigns, and taxpayers’ money is used to keep them in power),” he said.

The mayor added that the current system limits opportunities for capable individuals who lack financial resources, political machinery, or family connections.

“Ang gusto po natin ay ang mga kabataan, ang mga mahuhusay, at ang mga mamamayang kuwalipikado at may kakayahang mamuno ay mabigyan ng pagkakataon (What we want is for the youth and qualified citizens with the ability to lead to be given a fair chance),” Sotto said.

From a theoretical perspective, he said political systems dominated by dynasties tend to favor family affiliation over individual merit.

“In many cases, nine times out of ten, ang nananalo ay miyembro ng political family,” he said, noting that public resources are often used to tilt elections in their favor (In many cases, nine times out of ten, the winner is a member of a political family),” Sotto said.

He added that candidates without political ties sometimes face intimidation or even violence, discouraging wider participation in politics.

Sotto said the Constitution guarantees equal access to opportunities for public service, but noted that this principle has yet to be fully realized decades after its inclusion.

“Our Constitution guarantees equal access to opportunities for public service. Kaya ito po ang isinusulong natin—isang anti-political dynasty law—to level the playing field (That is why we are pushing for an anti-political dynasty law—to level the playing field),” he said.

The mayor also urged both the Senate and the House of Representatives to act on the measure and called on civil society groups, youth sectors, and the general public to unite in pushing for its passage.

“Sana po ay maging seryoso na ang kongreso. Kailangan po ang mamamayan at mga organisasyon ay magsanib-puwersa para maisulong ang batas na ito (I hope Congress will take this seriously. The people and organizations must work together to push this law forward),” Sotto said.