Manila: Senator Francis Pangilinan is calling for the start of hearings on the anti-political dynasty. Nearly four decades after the ratification of the 1987 Constitution, Pangilinan on Tuesday said the explicit mandate to prohibit political dynasties remains unfulfilled, despite studies showing that areas dominated by political clans tend to suffer deeper and more persistent poverty.

According to Philippines News Agency, Pangilinan stated that the Senate should begin hearings on the filed anti-dynasty bills authored by Senators Robin Padilla, Risa Hontiveros, Panfilo Lacson, Bam Aquino, JV Ejercito, and himself, noting that the measures are ready for deliberation. Pangilinan cited research indicating that political dynasties contribute to inequality and economic stagnation, stressing that continued inaction only worsens the conditions faced by communities trapped in poverty.

He also pointed to the December meeting of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council, where President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. included the Anti-Political Dynasty Law among the priority legislative measures of his administration this year.