New Bill Targets Political Dynasties in Philippines
In a decisive move to curb entrenched family rule, lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc have filed a bill seeking to ban political dynasties in the Philippines. House Bill No. 209, known as the Anti-Political Dynasty Act, was formally submitted at the House of Representatives during the 20th Congress.
Makabayan’s two representatives, ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio and Kabataan party-list Rep. Renee Co, championed the measure. Their aim is to enforce the 1987 Constitution’s provision against political dynasties by defining clear legal boundaries through this enabling law.
Key Provisions of the Proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Act
The bill’s Section 4 specifies two main prohibitions. First, no person shall hold or run for any elective national or local office simultaneously with another within the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity, whether legitimate or illegitimate, full or half blood. Second, no individual related within this prohibited degree shall immediately succeed an incumbent elected official.
If enacted, the law will apply starting with the elections following its passage.
Constitutional Mandate and Legislative Inaction
The bill’s explanatory notes emphasize that while the 1987 Constitution explicitly bans political dynasties, it leaves Congress the responsibility to define and enforce this. However, multiple attempts to pass similar legislation have been repeatedly ignored over the years.
“Bayan Muna Party-List first filed a House Bill prohibiting political dynasties in 2001. Similar measures filed by the Makabayan Bloc in succeeding Congresses were repeatedly ignored by the Chamber. It is high time that we pass a Bill of great importance, as mandated by our Constitution,” local leaders noted.
Social Reform and the Political Landscape
The proponents stressed that the bill seeks social reform by dismantling the grip of influential families on public office. They explained, “The extended family system, an otherwise beneficial concept when applied to social aspects, has found pernicious effects in politics where power remains exclusive to certain clans.”
Despite modernization, political dynasties remain pervasive. Data from recent elections show several families winning multiple seats, further concentrating political power.
“The domination of political dynasties in Philippine elections became more apparent during the May 2025 elections. They fielded multiple candidates across national and local offices to consolidate and perpetuate influence,” officials said.
A United Nations Development Programme report cited by lawmakers revealed that 94 percent of the 77 provinces studied have political families, averaging at least two clans per province.
Calls for Supreme Court Intervention
In March, various groups, including 1Sambayan, filed a petition urging the Supreme Court to compel Congress to pass the anti-political dynasty law. They argued that Congress has disregarded the constitutional mandate for nearly four decades.
“Congress’ repeated failure to enact an enabling law has rendered Article II, Section 26 of the Constitution ineffective. This has allowed political dynasties to entrench power, undermining democracy and worsening inequality,” the petitioners stated.
The petition even requests the Supreme Court to hold Congress in contempt if it fails to act within a year.
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