Lawmakers from the Makabayan Bloc have filed House Bill No. 209 or the “Anti-Political Dynasty Act” to stop political families from holding power at the same time or one after another.
The bill says a political dynasty is when family members run or hold office at the same time or one after another to keep power in their clan. It bans relatives up to the fourth degree (like cousins, in-laws) from running or holding office together, or from replacing each other right away.
The move comes after the 2025 elections, where many political families won in both national and local positions. A study found that 94% of provinces in the Philippines are ruled by political clans.
Under the bill, all candidates must declare that they are not part of a political dynasty. If they are found to be part of one, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) can reject their candidacy and disqualify them.
Even if a disqualified candidate wins, they will not be allowed to take office. The goal of the bill is to give more people a fair chance to serve in government and to reduce the control of powerful political families.