Bancoro Backs Anti-Political Dynasty Bill, Calls It “A Good Start”

Daphne Santuyo

ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY — First District Rep. Atty. Marlo Bancoro on Thursday expressed full support for the anti-political dynasty bill recently filed in the House of Representatives by Reps. Sandro Marcos and Faustino Dy, calling the measure “a good start” toward long-delayed political reform.

Bancoro said he welcomes the renewed push to institutionalize limits on political dynasties, noting that the proposal opens the door to healthier political competition and a more level playing field for aspiring leaders.

“I am in favor of the bill. It is a good start,” Bancoro said, emphasizing that the measure is long overdue in a political landscape where family dominance has become the norm in many localities.

Bancoro explained that past attempts to pass similar legislation had stalled because overly strict limits would have affected too many political actors, making it difficult to secure approval.“In the current situation, it is very hard to pass a bill if it is too restrictive because it would impact a lot of people. That is why for many years, no law on this matter has been enacted,” Bancoro said.

He added that the current version of the bill, as filed by Reps. Sandro Marcos and Faustino Dy, has a much higher chance of approval.“This version has a bigger chance of being approved, so it is a good start. If future Congresses want to amend it further, that is their prerogative,” he said.

Bancoro’s remarks reflect the balancing act lawmakers face in pursuing political reforms while considering political realities and public acceptance.

Bancoro also revealed that if given the chance to propose amendments, he would support provisions preventing politicians from “crossing” from one locality to another, especially when family members already occupy positions of power.

“If ever there is going to be an amendment I can introduce, it is this: not to allow politicians to jump from one area to another, that means one province to another, one congressional district to another, or one LGU to another if they have relatives already sitting as incumbent officials,” he explained. “This should apply whether the scope is regional or national.” According to Bancoro, these added safeguards would prevent political clans from circumventing anti-dynasty rules by shifting candidates to adjacent or strategically chosen areas. He said such practices undermine the intent of reform and weaken democratic participation.

The congressman stressed that the bill’s importance lies not only in limiting family dominance but also in encouraging merit-based leadership. He added that voters deserve fairer choices and a more diverse pool of candidates, not elections shaped by entrenched power structures.

With debates in Congress expected to intensify, Bancoro said he is ready to participate in discussions and push for a version of the bill that closes loopholes and reflects the public’s demand for genuine political transformation.

The Anti-Political Dynasty Bill is one of the most closely watched proposals in the current legislative agenda. Earlier similar measures were also filed in Congress by Akbayan representatives and Dinagat Island Representative Kaka Bag-ao, reflecting long-standing calls for reform, though they have yet to become law.