The Akbayan Partylist Reform bloc in the House of Representatives has reiterated its call for the passage of a comprehensive Anti-Political Dynasty Law, saying the measure will open democratic spaces and ensure equal access to leadership.
“At stake is the promise of democratic equality,” the bloc said. “We cannot call ourselves a democracy if power keeps circulating among the same families.”
Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao said House Bill 5905 fulfills the 1987 Constitution’s directive to ban political dynasties and ensure fair access to public service.
“This is about giving our communities more voices and more choices,” she said.
Akbayan Rep. Chel Diokno stressed that the measure is a constitutional duty long ignored.
“Political dynasties have grown in defiance of that mandate for decades,” he said. “We should finally put a stop to this.”
Rep. Perci Cendaña insisted that any such law must be “truly comprehensive.”
“Hindi lang tayo dapat magpasa ng basta-bastang Anti-Political Dynasty Law. Dapat comprehensive. Dapat walang sinasanto at walang lusot,” he said, warning that dynasties foster corruption and monopoly of power.
Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula emphasized that public office should not be treated as a family heirloom.
“Leadership should go to those who step up for the many, not those who simply protect power for the few,” she said.
Studies by the Ateneo Policy Center and PIDS show that political dynasties have expanded nationwide, especially in the poorest provinces — underscoring, Akbayan said, the urgent need for reform.