PUBLIC CONSULTATION. Senator Risa Hontiveros, chairperson of the Senate committee on electoral reforms and people’s participation, presides over the public consultation on the “Kontra Dinastiya” bill at the Carlos Hilado Memorial State University Alijis campus in Bacolod City on Friday (Feb. 13, 2026). Among those who joined the panel were Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya (left) and Himamaylan City Vice Mayor Justin Gatuslao (right). (Photo from Senate of the Philippines Facebook page)
BACOLOD CITY – Senator Risa Hontiveros urged Negrenses to support the passage of the anti-dynasty law to create a wider democratic space during a public consultation on the “Kontra Dinastiya” bill at Carlos Hilado Memorial State University Alijis campus here on Friday.
Hontiveros, who chairs the Senate committee on electoral reforms and people’s participation, presided over the session that focused on three core issues –the degree of relationship, with a sub-issue on the nature of spousal/partnership relations; scope of prohibition on government positions; and whether the prohibition is simultaneous or successive.
The senator introduced Senate Bill 1548, or “An Act Defining Political Dynasty and Prohibiting the Establishment Thereof.”
“We all recognize that Negros has long been shaped by strong political families. That’s part of our history, but we also know that this province has produced reformers, advocates, and leaders who believe the change is possible,” Hontiveros said.
“This bill is not against any family. It is about widening democratic space. It is about making sure that leadership is open to even more Negrenses, to even more Filipinos. Not just a few names or few families,” she added.
Himamaylan City Vice Mayor Justin Gatuslao, who introduced himself as the “fifth generation member of a dynasty,” expressed full support for the passage of an anti-political dynasty law.
“Tiyempo na (It’s time),” Gatuslao said.
Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya, who started his political career after several years of being a radio anchorman, said the initiative to end political dynasty “has long been a challenging issue in our country.”
“Personally, I am really in favor of starting the discussion and even coming up with a clear framework,” he added.
The discussions in the series of public consultations “are expected to form the committee’s report to the Senate, which will determine the next steps for the bill,” a post at the Senate’s Facebook page said. (PNA)
