𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗖𝗞-𝗝𝗔𝗕: 𝗘𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗼𝘀, 𝗜𝗺𝗲𝗲, 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗼 𝗪𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗗𝘆𝗻𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘆 𝗟𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁

Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice says President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Sen. Imee Marcos—despite being on opposite sides of many political debates—would still be counted as one political clan under his proposed anti-political dynasty bill. In an online interview, Erice explained that a “realistic” version of the law would limit families to only two members holding elective positions at the same time. Anyone beyond that—except cousins, nieces, and nephews—would be barred from running.

Asked how the rule would apply in real life, Erice pointed to the Marcos family itself: aside from the President and Senator Marcos, House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos and Ilocos Norte Gov. Matthew Manotoc are also in office. Under the proposal, that setup wouldn’t fly. “They may oppose each other politically, but they come from the same family. If they can’t manage their own unit, how can they lead a country?” Erice said.

The same rule, however, would not apply to the Marcoses’ cousin, former Speaker Martin Romualdez. Cousins fall outside the bill’s definition, meaning Romualdez could still run—but his own household would be capped at two officials, limiting simultaneous terms for Tingog Reps. Yedda and Jude Romualdez. He cited Sen. Vicente Sotto III’s clan as an example that barely fits within the threshold.

Erice said he intentionally kept the limit at two relatives to increase the proposal’s chances. “If we push for just one, the bill may die immediately.” His statements come as Congress begins formal discussions on anti-dynasty measures—following President Marcos’ call to prioritize political reform, and the filing of House Bill 6771 by Speaker Dy and Majority Leader Sandro Marcos.

Image from REUTERS