Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr. said the proposed anti-dynasty law must be anchored on a constitutional amendment to avoid being struck down by the Supreme Court.

In an exclusive interview on DZRH’s Magandang Umaga Pilipinas, Garbin, vice chair of the House committee on constitutional amendments, explained that adding qualifications or disqualifications for candidates through ordinary legislation is unconstitutional.

He cited Supreme Court rulings in Albano vs. Comelec and Social Justice Society vs. Dangerous Drugs Board.

“Dahil sinasabi ng Supreme Court that if you add statutory qualifications not mentioned by the Constitution, it is as if you are amending the Constitution through legislation, which is unconstitutional,” Garbin said.

While expressing support for the anti-dynasty measure, Garbin stressed the need for reforms that are legally sound and long-term.

"When we speak of broadening political participation and preventing the concentration of powers... that is sound and constitutionally inspired and I fully support the same," he said, “We should ensure that reform is legally sustainable.”

Garbin noted that qualifications for elective national positions are “clear, categorical, and exclusive” under the Constitution, adding that what Congress “cannot do directly, it cannot do indirectly.”