MANILA — Speaker Faustino Dy III praised the House of Representatives Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms for approving a consolidated bill that seeks to outlaw political dynasties, describing the development as a long-awaited step toward implementing the Constitution.
The measure, once enacted, would curb the concentration of political positions among members of the same family at both national and local levels.
“For nearly four decades, the Constitution has required Congress to prohibit political dynasties. This approval brings us closer to finally carrying out that directive,” Dy said.
The panel chaired by Zia Alonto Adiong adopted House Bill No. 6671 as the base version of the consolidated legislation. The bill was principally authored by Dy and House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos.
The proposed law bars relatives within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity from holding certain elective positions simultaneously. This would prohibit situations such as married couples serving as mayor and vice mayor or family members occupying multiple elective posts within the same province.
Dy said the scope of the restriction reflects feedback gathered during consultations with stakeholders across the country.
He noted that limiting the ban to the second degree aims to strike a balance between fulfilling the constitutional mandate and ensuring the policy can be implemented fairly.
The initiative stems from Article II, Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines, which instructs the State to regulate and prohibit political dynasties through legislation.
Dy emphasized that the House intends to fully honor the Constitution.
He added that the measure seeks to promote fairness and open political competition, allowing qualified individuals to run for public office regardless of family background.
Under the bill, spouses and relatives within the second degree would be prohibited from holding national positions such as President, Vice President, or senator at the same time. Similar restrictions would apply to elective posts within the same province, city, municipality, or barangay.
If the proposal becomes law, the ban would take effect beginning in the next election cycle.
Candidates would also be required to file a sworn declaration with the Commission on Elections stating that their candidacy does not violate the anti-dynasty rule.
If a prohibited relationship arises, candidates must notify the Comelec within five days. In cases where related candidates win and fail to decide who will assume office within 48 hours, the poll body will resolve the matter through a drawing of lots.
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