Manila:<Text>

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is seeking the immediate passage of the 'best' version of a measure prohibiting political dynasties in the country, Malaca±ang said Wednesday. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that Marcos welcomed the significant progress in the deliberations of the anti-political dynasty bill and is hopeful that the measure would hurdle Congress.

According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos expressed a desire to expedite the passage of the bill, emphasizing the importance of enacting the best possible anti-political dynasty law. Castro highlighted that while Marcos has not yet taken a position on any specific version of the bill, he is committed to reviewing the final version thoroughly once it reaches his table. The discussions on the bill involve determining the degree of relation-such as second or fourth-that the law will cover, and Marcos will study the implications once Congress finalizes its version.

Castro also addressed claims by Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice, who accused Marcos of merely posturing by declaring the bill a priority measure. She defended the President's commitment, asserting that Marcos is serious about prioritizing the anti-political dynasty bill. Castro further criticized Erice for blaming the President for various issues, reminding him that it is Congress's responsibility to craft and refine the legislation.

The House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms has approved a consolidated anti-political dynasty measure, primarily authored by House Speaker Faustino Dy III and House Deputy Majority Leader Sandro Marcos. This measure prohibits spouses and relatives within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity-such as parents, children, siblings, and domestic partners-from simultaneously holding national or elective posts within the same district, province, city, municipality, or village.

However, the approved bill has faced criticism from Erice and several mem bers of the Makabayan bloc, who describe it as 'weak' or 'watered down.' They argue that the measure merely regulates political dynasties instead of outright prohibiting them.