The House of Representatives has approved on second reading a proposed measure seeking to prohibit political dynasties, marking a major step toward implementing a long-standing constitutional mandate against the concentration of political power among families.
Approved through viva voce voting, House Bill No. 8389 or the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Act bars relatives within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity from simultaneously running for or holding elective positions within the same locality.
Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III and Majority Leader Sandro Marcos are the principal authors of the bill, which also gained the support of 173 co-authors.
The measure has been identified as a priority under the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) and is backed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The bill was endorsed by the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms chaired by Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, which consolidated 17 related proposals into a substitute measure.
Lawmakers said the second-degree restriction was crafted after nationwide consultations and legal reviews to ensure the proposal remains practical and enforceable.
During plenary debates, Adiong explained that broader restrictions could create major administrative difficulties for the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
He also clarified that the proposal does not permanently bar individuals from public office, but instead seeks to prevent the concentration of elective power among close relatives in the same area.
Under the bill, a political dynasty is defined as the concentration, consolidation, or dominance of political power by spouses or relatives within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity.
The proposal prohibits close relatives from simultaneously holding or seeking positions in the same national, provincial, city, municipal, or barangay jurisdiction, including congressional seats within the same legislative district.
Candidates would also be required to submit sworn declarations to the Comelec affirming that their candidacies would not create prohibited dynastic relationships.
If multiple relatives file candidacies that violate the proposed law, the measure provides mechanisms for resolving the issue, including voluntary withdrawal or drawing of lots if the parties fail to agree.
The bill also directs the Comelec to issue implementing rules within 90 days once the law takes effect.
If enacted, the measure would become the first comprehensive law defining and regulating political dynasties since the ratification of the 1987 Constitution, which explicitly directed the State to prohibit political dynasties through legislation.