JV Ejercito admits political clan helped, but backs anti-dynasty bill

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. JV Ejercito on Thursday renewed his call for an anti-political dynasty law despite being part of a political dynasty himself.

His statement came a day after the Supreme Court directed Congress to enact a law banning political dynasties under the 1987 Constitution.

“I benefited from it when I first entered politics, but I have always advocated against political dynasties,” Ejercito told the media.

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He recalled that even when he was in the House of Representatives, he supported anti-political dynasty bills.

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“I believe that no one should monopolize power. Power should not be monopolized, whether economic or political,” he said.

“Also, there are almost 116 million Filipinos. Maybe out of those 116 [million], many want to serve. They just don’t have the opportunity because they don’t have a name, no name recall, no machinery, no funds. So that’s my opinion. I would like to give a chance to others,” he added.

READ: SC to Congress: ‘Injustice’ to delay anti-dynasty law

In the 20th Congress, Ejercito also filed a bill against political dynasties. Its contents were consolidated with seven other similar bills under Senate Bill No. 1905, sponsored by then-Senate electoral panel chairperson Sen. Risa Hontiveros.

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Presently, SB No. 1905, though already presented in plenary in late February 2026, has yet to move forward following changes in Senate leadership.

With Hontiveros no longer the chairperson of the Senate electoral panel, she may no longer sponsor the measure without permission from its new head, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, who is currently under preventive suspension. He is also Ejercito’s brother.

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The panel’s vice chair, Sen. Camille Villar, has yet to comment. /mcm