Business and civic organizations opposed House Bill No. 8389 or the Anti-Dynasty Bill, warning that the measure could strengthen political dynasties instead of limiting their influence in government.
The principal authors of the bill are House Speaker Faustino G. Dy III and House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander A. Marcos.
In a joint statement, groups including the Makati Business Club, Management Association of the Philippines, Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, Justice Reform Initiative, Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, Philippine Institute of Arbitrators, and the Shareholder's Association for the Philippines urged the Senate to reject the bill, which recently passed its third and final reading in the House of Representatives.
The organizations argued that the measure’s restrictions only cover relatives up to the second degree and within the same political unit, leaving room for families to continue holding multiple government positions across different levels.
Possible scenarios
They cited possible scenarios allowed under the bill, including family members simultaneously occupying positions such as governor, congressman and mayor, as well as officials transferring posts among relatives after their terms end.
Not reform but protection of dynasties
“This is not reform but protection of dynasties and making sure there are no reforms,” the groups said, warning that political concentration could limit competition, influence public resources, and hinder governance reforms.
