Manila: The House of Representatives has advanced a landmark measure aimed at prohibiting political dynasties and promoting equal access to public office, following its approval on second reading through viva voce voting. This move aligns with the directive of the 1987 Constitution to prevent political dynasties in the Philippines.
According to Philippines News Agency, House Bill No. 8389, also known as the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Act, seeks to bar relatives within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity from running for or holding office in the same locality. The measure, which boasts the primary authorship of Speaker Faustino 'Bojie' Dy III and Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander 'Sandro' Marcos, has amassed the support of 173 co-authors, reflecting strong congressional backing.
The bill, identified as a priority by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) and endorsed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., emerged from the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms chaired by Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong. The committee consolidated 17 related proposals into a comprehensive substitute bill.
Article II, Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution mandates the prohibition of political dynasties as defined by law; however, no enabling statute had been enacted until now. In sponsoring the measure, Adiong highlighted the extensive nationwide consultations and careful legal considerations undertaken to draft the bill, aiming for a balanced approach that enforces the constitutional directive while remaining practical.
The bill defines a political dynasty as the concentration or dominance of elective political power by spouses or relatives within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity. It prohibits such relatives from simultaneously holding or running for elective posts within the same governmental unit or legislative district. To ensure compliance, candidates must submit a sworn statement to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) affirming their candidacy does not result in a prohibited dynastic relationship.
Once enacted, the law would apply starting from the next elections, with Comelec tasked to issue implementing rules and regulations within 90 days of its effectivity. This legislation, if passed, would mark the first comprehensive statutory definition and prohibition of political dynasties since the ratification of the Constitution in 1987.
