Senator Erwin Tulfo on Wednesday, February 4, openly acknowledged his family’s extensive presence in government while expressing full support for proposed anti-political dynasty legislation during a Senate hearing.
Speaking at the hearing of the Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms and People’s Participation, Tulfo said he does not deny that several members of his family currently hold public office, including two senators.
Despite this, he stressed that his position in government is not a family entitlement but a public trust.
“I am fully aware of the sensitivity surrounding this proposed measure. I come from a family that has participated in public service across different branches of government,” Tulfo said. “I do not deny that fact, nor do I shy away from it.”
Tulfo emphasized that the purpose of an anti-political dynasty law is not to target specific families but to strengthen democracy by promoting merit, competence, and equal opportunity in public service.
“If this body, in its wisdom, determines that such a law is necessary, we will respect it. More than that, we will comply with it,” he said. “No individual, no family, no institution should be above the law.”
He added that the discussion should focus on shaping a political system that encourages fresh leadership, accountability, and fair competition for future generations of Filipinos.
During the same hearing, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said a total of six anti-political dynasty bills have already been filed in the Senate.
He noted that political dynasties have long been linked to persistent problems in Philippine democracy, including inequality, elite capture, patronage politics, corruption, and weakened checks and balances.
Pangilinan also cited the President’s statement during a recent Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting expressing support for prioritizing the issue, adding that the 1987 Constitution explicitly mandates the State to prohibit political dynasties as defined by law.
He pointed to survey results from Pulse Asia conducted in mid-December showing that more than half of Filipinos believe an anti-dynasty law would help address widespread and systemic corruption in government.
“The political arena is not a level playing field, especially when entire clans compete against individual candidates,” Pangilinan said. “This is neither fair nor democratic, and it is something we must change.”
Lawmakers said the hearing aims to consolidate proposals and push for the passage of what supporters describe as a long-overdue and historic measure to reform the country’s political system.
