Garbin Predicts Compromise Agreement for Anti-Dynasty Law Amid Political Family Dominance
Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Alfredo Garbin Jr. has expressed his belief that any anti-dynasty law passed by Congress will inevitably result in a compromise agreement. According to Garbin, he supports the proposal and considers the passage of an enabling law to fully implement the constitutional provision against political dynasties as long overdue.
Political Dynasties Pose Major Obstacle to Legislation
Garbin admitted that a significant barrier to passing such a measure is the reality that many members of the House of Representatives and the Senate come from political families themselves. Based on an analysis by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), approximately 67 percent of House members belong to so-called fat dynasties—families with multiple members holding government positions.
Need for Compromise in Legislative Process
Garbin emphasized that the authors of the 21 anti-dynasty bills must compromise with the large number of lawmakers from political dynasties in the House, as well as in the Senate, which faces a similar situation. He noted that some proposals advocate for a total ban on relatives up to the fourth degree of consanguinity and affinity from running or holding office, which he views as a stringent approach requiring negotiation.
This stance highlights the ongoing challenges in Philippine politics, where family ties often influence legislative outcomes. The debate over anti-dynasty laws continues to spark discussions on governance reform and democratic principles in the country.
