Anti-political dynasty bill up for sponsorship soon – Gonzales

House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II said that the anti-political dynasty bill might be taken up for sponsorship soon in the House of Representatives long dominated by members of political families.

The Mandaluyong City representative made the statement after the lower chamber again included in its agenda the controversial bill upon resumption of session on Monday.

Gonzales said Capiz Rep. Fredenil Castro, chairperson of the committee on suffrage and electoral reforms, was supposed to deliver his sponsorship address on Monday. But Castro may deliver his speech tomorrow, Tuesday, he added.

The anti-political dynasty bill or House Bill 3587 prohibits the spouse, or any persons related within a second degree of consanguinity to a re-electionist politician, to run for a position in the same elections.

The bill said a political dynasty “exists when two or more individuals who are related within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity hold or run for national or local office in successive, simultaneous or overlapping terms.”

The Commission on Elections is tasked to disqualify from running those who violate the proposed measure.

The bill has been listed in the order of business, or the plenary’s agenda, since Jan. 20. But no discussions have been conducted because such have yet to be sponsored on the floor.

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