PASAY CITY—The Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms and People’s Participation, chaired by Senator Risa Hontiveros, fast-tracked deliberations on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, to finally define and prohibit political dynasties. 

Lawmakers engaged in high-level consultations with constitutional framers, legal experts, and civil society leaders to refine the scope of the proposed bans. 

The discussions centered on creating a "practical and enforceable" framework, with specific focus on whether the prohibition should extend to the second or third degree of consanguinity and affinity to ensure it survives legal scrutiny.

Legislators are under mounting pressure to pass the measure before the filing of certificates of candidacy for the 2028 elections. 

Key proposals, including bills from Senators Bam Aquino and Robinhood Padilla, seek to prevent multiple family members from holding office simultaneously, even across different jurisdictions. 

By gathering a broad consensus from the academe and government officials, the committee aims to consolidate a version that balances the constitutional right to run for office with the urgent need to level the political playing field for all Filipinos.

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