Nearly 40 years after the 1987 Philippine Constitution commanded the State to prohibit political dynasties “as may be defined by law,” Congress has finally crafted a bill to define this prohibition. House Bill No. 8389, or the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Act, bans spouses and relatives up to the second degree of consanguinity or affinity from simultaneously running for or holding elective posts at the national, provincial, city, and municipal levels. While this HB has been highly anticipated by Filipinos, its true essence has unfortunately been lost. Its current provisions seem far too weak and compromising—a mere shadow of reform that still allows dynastic families to rule. A movement that Filipinos heavily relied upon has fallen short, leaving the nation deeply disappointed.
The Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) recently reported that eight out of ten members of the House of Representatives belong to political dynasties. Furthermore, a 2015 study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) estimated that political dynasties controlled 85 percent of elected provincial governors, 75 percent of vice governors, 74 percent of district representatives, and 66 percent of mayors. These are not just statistics; they are concrete proof of why a genuine Anti-Dynasty Law must be passed. This current version of the bill is far too weak to achieve the vision of progress through the dismantling of dynastic families. Under its provisions, restrictions only apply within the exact same locality. As such, a congressman’s father can still run in a neighboring district, and a mayor’s daughter can easily run in an adjacent municipality. The essence of the reform is dead. Why should we settle for a compromise that offers only short-term satisfaction through an inherently unreliable bill?
In an era where political awareness is at its peak, we must demand what truly matters. While this HB has been approved, its substance remains highly questionable. This movement feels like a facade meant to appease and manipulate the public. However, as the voice of the marginalized, we must stand up and call for immediate amendments to this initiative. While the bill itself is vital, it must genuinely champion the interests of the people. As this HB moves through the legislative process, we must call on the Senate to dismantle, restructure, and transform this bill into a version worthy of the Filipino people.
An authentic Anti-Dynasty Law has long been the most anticipated solution for a nation on the brink of political crisis. May the authors and sponsors of this legislation support it with integrity, recognizing that the Filipino people will bear the primary impact of its success or failure. Honestly, while HB No. 8389 may have passed the House, its true essence and purpose remain dead.
To the Senate: amend it. Restructure it, and ensure that national progress is prioritized over personal interest. We will wait for a version of this bill where its essence is active, present, and alive—a version that can finally lift our country out of the stagnation dragging it down. When that time comes, Filipinos will finally breathe a sigh of relief, smile at a new reality, and declare that there is still good left in those legislative seats.
We voice these concerns because if not us, then who?
