Lacson Jokes About Political Dynasties: “I’ll File a Bill — Except for Fighting Siblings”
3 min read
MAY 04,2025
Philippines – Former Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson stirred both laughter and reflection during a campaign sortie in Batangas as he jokes about filing an anti-political dynasty bill—with a twist: a possible exemption for siblings who are fighting.
Lacson, who is seeking a Senate comeback in the upcoming 2025 elections under the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, made the lighthearted remark during a forum where candidates were once again grilled about their stance on political dynasties — a hot-button issue in Philippine politics.
Alongside Lacson were fellow administration senatorial hopefuls Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Erwin Tulfo, and Abby Binay, all of whom reiterated support for anti-dynasty reforms. But when pressed if they were actually willing to author or support such a bill, it opened the floor to both serious reflection and political banter.
Tulfo was quick to respond:
“Mayroon na si Senator Lacson, sususugan ko na lang siguro kapag lumusot ‘yon. Aaprubahan ko, sasabihin ko approved, ‘di ba. Tataas ako ng kamay kahit ayaw ng mga siblings ko.”
(Senator Lacson already has one, I’ll just co-author it if it passes. I’ll approve it—even if my siblings don’t agree.)
Lacson then quipped:
“Baka i-amend ko ‘yong aking bill. Kapag magkapatid na hindi magkasundo, exempted.”
(Maybe I’ll amend my bill. If siblings are at odds, they get a free pass.)
He was quick to clarify it was all in jest.
Lacson Jokes-Anti-Political Dynasty Debate Rekindled
Senatorial candidate Abby Binay added a more nuanced perspective, citing what she called the “peculiarities” of the Philippine political landscape, especially in provinces with sprawling political clans.
“Kapag nag-iikot ka sa Pilipinas, may realization na may mga pamilya talaga na ang lalaki ng angkan. So kung magkalaban sila, hindi ba sila pwede tumakbo parehas dahil dynasty? Those are peculiarities that need to be defined,” she said.
(As we go around the country, we realize how large some political families are. If they’re running against each other, does that still count as a dynasty?)
Lacson, who filed anti-dynasty bills in previous Congresses, reiterated that his version prohibits relatives up to the second degree from seeking posts in the same locality. However, the absence of an enabling law to enforce the constitutional provision has kept political dynasties alive and thriving in many regions.
Who’s Who in the Dynasty Debate?
Ironically, many candidates in Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas have family ties in government. Among them are:
- Benhur Abalos Jr., son of a former COMELEC chair
- Senator Bong Revilla Jr., son of the late senator Ramon Revilla
- Senator Pia Cayetano, sister of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano
- Former Senator Manny Pacquiao, whose brother is a current Congressman
- Senator Francis Tolentino
- Rep. Camille Villar, daughter of former Senate President Manny Villar and Sen. Cynthia Villar
What Does the Constitution Say?
Article II, Section 26 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution clearly states:
“The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.”
But the key phrase here — “as may be defined by law” — means that until Congress passes a specific law defining and prohibiting political dynasties, the provision remains symbolic rather than actionable. NOW TREND
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