SENATE leaders were urged to immediately hold hearings on newly filed bills against political dynasties, which Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said are a key driver of poverty.

“Ito na ang panahong patunayan na seryoso tayo na gusto nating maging paldo ang bansa. Na ang susunod na Pangulo, hindi kabilang ng political dynasty. Dahil kung walang political dynasties, walang mahirap. Nakamasid ang taumbayan, at ‘di na bebenta ang muling pagpapaliban pa,” Pangilinan said.

The senator, who chairs the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, warned that Congress has long ignored a clear constitutional mandate.

“Sa ika-2 ng Pebrero, mag-39 years old na ang 1987 Constitution. Pero sa halos apat na dekada, dinededma lang ang maliwanag na utos nito na ipagbawal ang mga dinastiyang politikal,” he said.

Pangilinan noted that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has included an anti-political dynasty law among his administration’s priorities.

Similar bills have been filed by Senators Bam Aquino, JV Ejercito, Risa Hontiveros, Panfilo Lacson, and Robinhood Padilla.

While the Constitution bans political dynasties, the provision requires an enabling law that Congress has yet to pass.

Momentum for the measure has grown following a multibillion-peso corruption scandal linked to infrastructure projects, renewing public pressure for reform.