MANILA (October 8) — Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice has thrown down a political gauntlet — calling on President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte to show they are serious about transparency and accountability by supporting an anti-political dynasty bill, even if it means weakening their own families’ grip on power.
In a privilege speech before a chamber dominated by political clans, Erice said real reform requires more than outrage or emotional speeches about corruption. It demands the political courage to confront entrenched dynasties that have long shielded the powerful from scrutiny.
“Mr. President, I believe in your anger and disgust. I believe in the sincerity of your tears — but this ain’t enough,” Erice said.
“Bold action means painful reform. Follow the Constitution, include the anti-dynasty bill in your agenda, even if it hurts your family’s interests.”
A call for clean politics and accountability
Erice said that certifying the measure as urgent would not only fulfill a 37-year-old constitutional promise but also prove the administration’s sincerity in its call for good governance.
He linked the persistence of political dynasties to systemic corruption — where power, money, and influence circulate within a few families, making it harder for independent voices, reforms, and accountability mechanisms to thrive.
“Political dynasties have bred patronage politics and pork barrel schemes. If we are serious about transparency and fairness, we must first break the monopoly of power,” Erice said.
The Constitution’s Article II, Section 26 mandates Congress to pass a law prohibiting political dynasties — a mandate lawmakers have ignored for nearly four decades.
‘Do better, PBBM and VP Sara’
Erice directly addressed President Marcos, saying his efforts to investigate corruption in public works will fall short if dynastic power remains unchecked.
“An independent probe body is not enough if the same families control both the watchdog and the culprits,” he said.
“Mr. President, your legacy can be lasting reform — not just anger, but action.”
He also challenged Vice President Duterte to show that her family’s influence in Mindanao serves the public, not just political ambition.
“To Vice President Sara Duterte — are you fighting for your family’s political supremacy, or for the country’s good?” Erice asked.
“The Constitution protected you from persecution. Uphold it now by reducing your own dynasty’s power.”
Time to ‘sacrifice power’
Erice appealed to fellow lawmakers — 70 percent of whom, he noted, belong to political dynasties — to “sacrifice” personal power for the sake of institutional integrity.
“If we truly love this country, it’s time to give up a bit of power. People are tired of greed. The nation is sinking,” he said.
Push for a long-delayed reform
Seven versions of an anti-dynasty bill have been filed in the 20th Congress, mostly by minority lawmakers. Erice’s version limits to two the number of family members who can hold public office simultaneously.
According to the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), four in every five district representatives come from political dynasties. Fifteen families control multiple congressional districts, while in the Senate, a third of members are siblings.
Advocates say that without curbing dynasties, efforts toward transparency, equal opportunity, and genuine accountability will remain cosmetic.
