Tovic Salvador

Retired generals urge Marcos to 'bite the bullet', pass anti-dynasty law

Article (news)

David Dizon

ABS-CBN News

A group of retired military and police generals is urging President Marcos Jr. to certify as urgent a law against political dynasties, saying dynasties and corruption are two sides of the same coin.Retired Brigadier General Eliseo Rio Jr, a member of the Advocates for National Interest (ANI), said the problem of unchecked corruption has consequences, adding the President must “bite the bullet” even if an anti-political dynasty law is unpopular for some groups.“Bakit may korapsyon? Ang dynasty nagiging family business at sa korapsyon nila kinukuha ‘yung return of investment,” he said in a DZMM interview.“Halos lahat ng nakapwesto ay political dynasty. 80 percent ng lahat ng mga local government units ay political dynasty. Ito ay isang concern. Kung mabawasan ‘yung mga kamag-anak na namumuno, magkakaroon tayo ng check and balance. In other words, kung hindi kamag-anak, napupuna kung mayroong ginagawang hindi maganda ang isang politiko.”“Ang corruption at political dynasty are two sides of the same coin. So kung gusto mong mabawasan ang corruption, dapat pairalin ang isang batas na nagde-define kung ano ‘yung political dynasty.”The 1987 Philippine Constitution prohibits political dynasties, but the lack of an enabling law has allowed political clans to consolidate power until more than half of incumbent public officials now come from dynasties.A Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism study said over 80 percent of members of the House of Representatives are dynasts, while majority of elected local officials also bear the same old names.Last Thursday, Sen. Risa Hontiveros <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/11/21/anti-political-dynasty-bill-filed-again-at-senate-1330">filed a new bill</a> prohibiting political dynasties in elective offices. The bill seeks to prohibit spouses and relatives within the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity to a national official from running in the national elections, or of a local official from running in the local level within the same legislative district, province or city.The fourth degree includes great great grandparents, great aunts and uncles, first cousins and grand nephews and nieces. The bill would also prohibit officials&#x27; spouses or relatives from running to immediately succeed them in the post.In his interview, Rio commended President Marcos Jr. for <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNZPOznEF1E">acting swiftly</a> on the flood control mess but noted more can be done to purge corruption.“Gawin niyang urgent ‘yung legislation. Isa ‘yun sa mga powers ng presidente…Bite the bullet. Use your political will kahit na unpopular sa grupo niyo, kailangana gawin ninyo for the sake of our country,” he said.He also called for urgent reforms in the electoral system, noting that political dynasties are using the polls to entrench themselves in electoral positions.“Dapat mapareporma ang ating elections system  dahil ang nangyayari, parang kuwan ba, expenses nila ‘yung gagawin para bumili ng boto tapos babawiin pag sila ay nasa pwesto na,” he said.<div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XNZPOznEF1E?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe> </div><div> </div>

A group of retired military and police generals is urging President Marcos Jr. to certify as urgent a law against political dynasties, saying dynasties and corruption are two sides of the same coin.

A group of retired military and police generals is urging President Marcos Jr. to certify as urgent a law against political dynasties, saying dynasties and corruption are two sides of the same coin.

Retired generals urge Marcos to 'bite the bullet', pass law vs political dynasties

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Nation

Retired generals urge Marcos to 'bite the bullet', pass law vs political dynasties

David Dizon,

ABS-CBN News

Published November 24, 2025 09:15 AM PHT

Read More:

corruption

flood control

dpwh

bongbong marcos

eliseo rio jr

political dynasty

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.