Pedestrians cross a bridge filled with campaign posters in Muntinlupa City on March 31, 2022. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News/file 

MANILA – Senatorial aspirant Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV said it's about time to pass into law a bill banning political dynasties in the country.

Speaking at Harapan 2025, the former Senator said he will refile the measure if he is elected back into the upper chamber of Congress.

"It’s a law whose time has come. Para maipasa ito , kailangan yung mga pamilya rin, yung mga pamilya sa politika, kailangan mag decide rin sila para sa bayan at hindi lang para sa sarili nila," Aquino said.

His answer was in response to a question on the possibility of having three Tulfo brothers in the Senate.

Raffy Tulfo is a sitting senator, while his sibglings ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo and television and radio personality Ben Tulfo are in the senatorial race.

"Hindi lang Tulfo, marami yan. At marami pa są local government. Lahat yan mga kaibigan ko rin," Aquino said.

"There will come a time na kailangan ipatupad ang batas na ito. I’m hoping yung iba ibang pamilya sa pulitika will make that decision for the country," he added.

Rep. Tulfo earlier said they will leave it to the voters if all three of them will be in the Senate. He added, he sees no problem with it especially since there is now law against it.

Ben Tulfo meanwhile said the possibly dynasty in the Senate could result in him and his brothers helping each other and assist people bring issues to their attention.

Former Supreme Court Justice Adolfo Azcuna said the country should considering following the example set by the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Politicians "within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity" are banned from joining the first Bangsamoro Parliament.

The Bangsamoro Electoral Code includes an anti-political dynasty provision and several others, approved by the Commission on Elections last April.

Azcuna said another way to create a law against political dynasties is for the high tribunal to rule on such matter.

Under Section 26 of Article II of the 1987 Constitution, the state shall guarantee equal access to public service opportunities and prohibit political dynasties as defined by law.

Several bills seeking to define and ban political dynasties have failed to pass Congress.