A coalition of business groups, civil society organizations and reform advocates has called on Congress to pass what it described as a “genuine” Anti-Political Dynasty Law, warning that a pending measure in the House of Representatives fails to meet the intent of the 1987 Constitution.

In a joint statement dated 12 February, the groups said the continued absence of an effective anti-dynasty law has allowed political power to remain concentrated in a few families, contributing to corruption and limiting broader participation in governance.

“The absence of an effective Anti-Dynasty Law has allowed political power to be concentrated in a handful of influential families, fostering corruption, perpetuating inequality and poverty, and marginalizing ordinary citizens,” the statement read. “Yet, more than three decades since the 1987 Constitution was adopted, Congress has yet to enact a genuine Anti-Political Dynasty Law.”

The coalition acknowledged the filing of House Bill No. 6771 but argued that it falls short of constitutional principles. It said the bill, in its current form, would still allow succession, substitution and rotation of positions among relatives, enabling families to maintain control of elective posts across different levels of government and election cycles.

“In reality, HB 6771 is a pro-dynasty measure,” the groups said.

The statement added that political dynasties extend influence beyond public office, with some families also controlling local economies through business interests, franchises and regulatory approvals.

“Public office is not a family inheritance—it is a public trust bestowed by the people and exercised for the common good,” the coalition said.

Following consultations among business leaders and justice reform advocates, the coalition proposed provisions it believes should be included in a stronger measure. These include prohibiting relatives within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity from running for or holding elective office simultaneously or consecutively, subject to certain limitations under a “one local, one national” representation principle.

The groups also called for an explicit ban on substitution, rotation and position-switching among relatives to prevent circumvention of term limits, as well as a mandatory cooling-off period equivalent to one full electoral cycle for term-limited officials and their relatives.

“This cooling-off period stops perpetual family succession while still permitting qualified individuals to run for other offices, adhering to the ‘one local, one national’ representation principle,” the statement read.

The coalition warned that if Congress fails to pass what it considers meaningful reform, the public may resort to a People’s Initiative to enact the measure. It cited the Philippine Identification System under Republic Act No. 11055, which allows digital authentication of voter identity through QR codes, biometrics and specimen signatures.

“Ultimately, the battle against political dynasties is a battle against corruption itself,” the groups said. “Merit, not lineage, must determine who serves the Filipino people.”

The statement was initiated by the Justice Reform Initiative, with the Management Association of the Philippines as a co-founding member. More than 30 organizations signed the statement, including Bukluran ng Mangagawang Pilipino, Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines, De La Salle Philippines, FEU Public Policy Center, Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, Iloilo Economic Development Foundation, Institute for Solidarity in Asia, Institute of Corporate Directors, Makati Business Club, Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, UP Engineering Research & Development Foundation, Inc., and Women for Action Towards Reform.