SONA 2015: President Aquino calls for passage of anti-dynasty law

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — In his final State of the Nation Address (SONA), Pres. Benigno Aquino III remarked that it is high time to have an anti-political dynasty law in the country.

"Hindi tayo makakasiguro kung malinis ang intensyon ng susunod o kung nanaisin lang nilang habambuhay na maghari-harian para sa sariling interes," Aquino said.

"Panahon na para ipasa ang anti-dynasty law."

Some might view it as a critique of the Binay family's foray into Philippine politics. But Makati Rep. Abigail Binay, daughter of Vice President Jejomar Binay, brushed off the comment.

"We're not the only political family in the Philippines," she said. "So I don't feel we are being alluded to."

She added that her family, which has four members in government positions, was not afraid of having an anti-political dynasty law.

The vice president's other daughter, Nancy, is a senator. His only son, Jejomar Erwin or Junjun, is the suspended mayor of Makati.

A present version of the anti-dynasty bill at the House of Representatives allows only two members of a family to hold office at the same time.

Other family members would be banned from running in any position at the local or national level.

This version, however, failed to pass a second reading before the lower house adjourned last June.

If such a law existed today, it would require two members of the Binay family to give up their positions to allow the vice president to run for president.

For his part, Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat said that a majority consensus in the lower house has already been reached. With the president's endorsement, he hopes that the bill gets passed.

CNN Philippines' Fiona Nicolas contributed to this report.