Trade, civic groups push tough anti-dynasty law

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

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 among 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 signatories acknowledged the existence of House Bill No. 6771 but argued that it falls short of constitutional principles. They said the measure, 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.