Hontiveros files bill to define, ban political dynasties in Phl

Senator Risa Hontiveros has filed a measure that seeks to define and prohibit political dynasties in the Philippines, fulfilling a constitutional mandate long left unaddressed.

The 1987 Philippine Constitution explicitly calls for the state to guarantee “equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.” 

Yet, nearly four decades since its ratification, Congress has yet to enact an enabling law. The Senate Bill (SB) 1548, titled the “Kontra Dinastiya Act,” aims to fill this long-standing gap.

Hontiveros cited research demonstrating the pervasive influence of political dynasties in the country. 

According to a 2018 study, dynastic share among local government officials is extremely high, with 81% for governors and vice-governors, 69% for mayors, and 57% for vice-mayors. 

The Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism revealed that over 80% of district representative seats in the House are held by members of political dynasties.

The bill defines a political dynasty as the consolidation of power by spouses or relatives across elective offices at the national or local level. It prohibits individuals related up to the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity from simultaneously holding or running for positions in the same legislative district, province, city, or party-list system.

The proposed legislation also includes strict enforcement mechanisms: the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) will have the authority to deny candidacies in violation of the law and to disqualify any elected official found to have breached the provisions. 

Citizens, political parties, and organizations will be empowered to file petitions for disqualification, and violations will be treated as election offenses under the Omnibus Election Code.

“The time has come for Congress to fulfill its constitutional mandate to define and prohibit political dynasties,” Hontiveros said in her explanatory note. 

“The passage of an Anti-Political Dynasty Law is necessary to restore fairness in our electoral system, strengthen public institutions, and ensure that leadership in government is determined not by birth or inherited political machinery, but by merit and integrity,” she added.

The Kontra Dinastiya Act is designed to take effect fifteen days after its publication in two newspapers of general circulation, applying to the next and all subsequent elections. It also mandates that the COMELEC issue implementing rules within 90 days of the law’s effectivity.