Manila, Dec. 11 -- Senator Lito Lapid on Wednesday pressed lawmakers to pass a long-pending measure banning political dynasties, saying the reform would open long-restricted opportunities for young and capable Filipinos who want to enter public service.

Lapid said he would vote in favor of the proposed law, noting that many aspiring leaders are discouraged from running for office because they lack resources or the backing of political families.

"Kailangan nating bigyan ng totoong pagkakataon ang kabataan sa paglilingkod-bayan (We need to give young people a real shot at public service... let's give them a chance)," he said in an interview.

The senator, now on his fourth nonconsecutive term since 2004, acknowledged that the measure cont...