Comelec says anti-dynasty law may complicate 2028 election preparations

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday cautioned lawmakers that implementing an anti-political dynasty law could complicate preparations for the 2028 national elections.

Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia told a Senate hearing that the commission may not have sufficient time to prepare for the national elections if the implementation of the law coincides with the filing of Certificates of Candidacy next year.

He noted that the commission could face “thousands” of potential cases should the proposed measure be enacted and may not have the time to resolve all cases filed against candidates.

“Thousands of cases will be filed to the Comelec involving anti-political dynasty, and that reality is that we may not be able to resolve all prior to the election,” the election chief said.

The filing of the Certificate of Candidacy for those running for public office will begin by October next year, he added.

“They have 25 days to file, and by January, we will be printing the ballots. So, we may not have the time to immediately resolve anti-political dynasty cases. Therefore, those candidates will be included in the ballots,” he said.

Mr. Garcia, however, said that Comelec remains supportive for the passage of a law banning political dynasties.

“There is no more issue with regard to if the anti-political dynasty should be passed. It really should be passed,” he added, noting it is the policy of the state to institutionalize an anti-political dynasty measure, citing Article II, Section 26 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution.

“The anti-political dynasty should not be a stand-alone law. There should be other laws that we should amend and correct so that law would be effective once it is implemented,” he added.

Senator Risa N. Hontiveros -Baraquel, who heads the Electoral Reforms panel, said that political dynasties have weakened accountability in the government.

“They weaken checks and balances and accountability — especially in the management of public funds, worsen local poverty conditions, and are strongly correlated to political violence,” she said.

The Senate on Wednesday began deliberation on proposed measures to ban political dynasties, after President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s call to advance reforms against political families running for public office. — Adrian H. Halili