PNoy: Anti-dynasty bill not yet a top priority

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III said Wednesday that he won't yet certify as urgent the proposed measure that would prohibit political dynasties in the government.

"Hihingi ako ng paumanhin. Hindi yan ang isa sa pinakamataas na priority natin sa kasalukukyan," Aquino said in a televised interview with the media at the sidelines of The Outstanding Filipino 2013 Awarding Ceremonies in Muntinlupa.

Aquino said he has yet to see the proposed law in detail since he is still occupied with other matters both in the domestic and international scene.

The President, however, hinted that he may certify it as urgent in time.

"Gusto kong makita ang lahat ng detalye muna," Aquino said. "Pero 'pag nakita nga natin at doable, bakit naman hindi?"

According to media reports, authors of the consolidated Anti-Political Dynasty Act of 2013 that is pending in the House of Representatives have asked the President to certify the measure as urgent.

The House bill's sponsors said Aquino's move will allow Congress to fast-track its passage.

They described the proposed legislation as "long overdue."

In November 2013, the House of Representatives Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reform approved the anti-political dynasty bill, a feat which was first in at least over a decade.

The bill seeks to prohibit two or more people related within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity to hold or run for national or local positions in successive, simultaneous, or overlapping terms.

A son of a former Chief Executive and a senator, the President is actually a product of the prominent Aquino-Cojuangco political clan.

His cousin, Sen. Benigno "Bam" Aquino IV, won a seat in the Upper House last year.

Aquino's aunt, Margarita "Tingting" Cojuangco, lost in the Senate elections. She was previously the governor of Tarlac province.

In the 2010 elections, the President also ran against his second cousin, former Defense Secretary and Tarlac Rep. Gilbert "Gibo" Teodoro Jr.