Manila: 1Tahanan Partylist Representative Nathan Oducado on Thursday called on fellow lawmakers to enact legislation prohibiting political dynasties, in light of the corruption scandals currently affecting the nation. Oducado emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue, pointing to the recent flood control corruption scandal and other irregularities involving public funds. He asserted the necessity of demonstrating to the public that public office should not be treated as a family business, particularly by those in power.
According to Philippines News Agency, Oducado argued that dynastic politics has facilitated the persistence of corrupt practices at all levels of government. He highlighted the increased likelihood of plunder, nepotism, graft, and bribery when public officials are incentivized to overlook misconduct or protect each other due to familial ties. The lawmaker maintained that even if not all members of political dynasties engage in corrupt practices, enacting a law to implement the Constitutional prohibition on dynasties would signify that they are not part of the problem and are actively working to combat it.
Oducado proposed setting a realistic limit on the number of related politicians, up to the second degree of consanguinity or affinity, who can hold positions within the same local government unit. He noted that any form of limiting political dynasties, particularly in local politics, would be a victory, given the overdue need for an enabling law on the political dynasty ban. Despite the constitutional ban, political dynasties have expanded over the past two decades.
The 1987 Constitution specifically bans political dynasties, as may be defined by law, while guaranteeing equal access to public service opportunities. However, Oducado pointed out that the absence of an enabling law to support this ban undermines any commitment to combat corruption. He cited a report by the 2025 Philippine Institute for Developmental Studies, which revealed the growing dominance of political clans at various government levels over the past 20 years.
Oducado noted that dynastic representation in the House of Representatives increased to 67 percent in 2025 from 48 percent in 2004, while mayoral posts held by dynasties rose to 53 percent from 40 percent. In the most recent elections, at least 78 out of the 156 party-list organizations certified by the Commission on Elections belonged to political families. He concluded by stating that the constitutional prohibition is a promise that cannot be broken through inaction, and that banning political dynasties may lead to some politicians losing power, but it is a necessary step to regain public trust.
