Gicel Roger Salvilla, News, Communication Management Office
Students, faculty members, staff, and university executives gathered at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines–Sta. Mesa Gymnasium on May 21, 2026, as discussions on democratic governance and political reform took center stage during the Anti-Political Dynasty Campus Tour led by Senator Risa Hontiveros.
The event, organized by the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, College of Law, Office of Student Services, College of the Accountancy and Finance Student Council, and the College of Political Science and Public Administration Student Council served as a platform for meaningful dialogue on the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Bill, highlighting the crucial role of Filipino youth in shaping a more inclusive and accountable political future.
Present during the forum were Vice President for Research, Extension, and Development Dr. Anna Ruby P. Gapasin and Vice President for Student Affairs and Services Tomas O. Testor, together with students, leaders, faculty members, university staff, and youth advocates who actively participated in the discussion.
Throughout the forum, Senator Hontiveros underscored the effects of concentrated political power on communities and national development. Citing studies from different universities across the Philippines, she emphasized how political dynasties can affect economic growth and social opportunities.
“Sa lugar na kontrolado ng iilang pamilya ang kapangyarihan, malamang mas mataas ang kahirapan, mabagal ang pag-unlad, at limitado ang oportunidad para sa mas magandang buhay lalo na para sa mga kabataan” (In places where power is controlled by only a few families, poverty is likely higher, development is slower, and opportunities for a better life are more limited, especially for young people.)
The senator further linked political dynasties to persistent issues of corruption and accountability, noting how deeply rooted political families and networks can make the pursuit of justice increasingly difficult.
“Kita natin yan sa mga nakaraang insidente ng matinding korapsyon sa lokal man o nasyonal na pamahalaan” (We have seen this in previous incidents of severe corruption, whether in local or national government.)
She followed this statement by emphasizing the challenge of prosecuting those involved in corrupt practices.
“Ang hirap magpakulong ng mga kurap habang paldo [sa pera] ang kanilang mga pamilya” (It is difficult to put corrupt individuals behind bars while their families continue to prosper financially.)
During the discussion, Senator Hontiveros also elaborated on the key provisions of the bill explaining that the measure seeks to prohibit close relatives of incumbent officials from seeking public office within certain conditions and jurisdictions.
“Ibig sabihin, abot ang ban sa pagtakbo ng anak, magulang, apo, lolo at lola, kapatid, at iba pang kaanak ng politikong nasa puwesto” (This means the ban would cover the candidacy of children, parents, grandchildren, grandparents, siblings, and other relatives of politicians currently in office.)
Despite recent changes in Senate leadership, committee assignments, and chairmanships that may affect the progress of the proposed bill, Senator Hontiveros expressed hope and resilience regarding the measure’s future.
“Para sa akin, setbacks do not make our goals impossible. Ang importante hindi tayo titigil sa pagsasalita, sa paninidigan, at sa pagbibigay lakas sa ating ipinaglalaban” (For me, setbacks do not make our goals impossible. What is important is that we do not stop speaking up, standing firm, and giving strength to the causes we fight for.)
As she concluded her speech, Senator Hontiveros called on students to continue taking part in democratic processes and nation-building efforts.
“The fight to pass the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill is long and full of challenges but it is a fight worth our courage—our determination and our enduring belief in a better tomorrow. Kaya sana kabataang Pinoy, mga iska at isko ng sinisintang PUP — samahan ninyo kami sa patuloy na pagsulong ng Anti-Political Dynasty Bill at para sa mas maganda at patas na bukas.”
(The fight to pass the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill is long and full of challenges, but it is a fight worth our courage, determination, and enduring belief in a better tomorrow. Therefore, I hope that Filipino youth, the Iskas and Iskos of beloved PUP, will join us in continuously advancing the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill toward a better and fairer future.)
More than a discussion on legislation, the forum became a venue for civic engagement and youth empowerment, emphasizing the importance of informed participation in strengthening democratic institutions and creating pathways toward meaningful reform.
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the initiative supports SDG 4: Quality Education by promoting civic awareness and critical discourse among students, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities by advocating equitable access to political opportunities, and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions through fostering transparency, accountability, and active citizen participation in governance.
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