House Speaker Faustino Dy III on Wednesday welcomed the committee-level approval of the proposed anti-political dynasty law, calling it a breakthrough in fulfilling a constitutional mandate that has remained unimplemented for nearly four decades.
“For nearly four decades, the Constitution has directed Congress to prohibit political dynasties. Today, we move closer to fulfilling that mandate,” Dy said in a statement.
On Tuesday, the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms endorsed a substitute bill consolidating several measures seeking to ban political dynasties in elective office.
The proposal prohibits spouses and relatives within the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity—whether legitimate, illegitimate, full, or half-blood—from simultaneously holding certain elective posts.
Dy explained that the scope of the prohibition was crafted after consultations across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
“The second-degree coverage is the product of listening, careful study, and efforts to find common ground,” he said.
“It reflects a balanced approach instituting this long overdue reform; firm enough to give real meaning to the constitutional ban, yet measured enough to ensure fairness and practical implementation.”
Dy and House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos had earlier proposed a broader prohibition covering relatives up to the fourth degree.
Article II, Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution mandates the state to prohibit political dynasties “as may be defined by law,” but Congress has yet to enact an enabling statute.
Dy stressed that the House is determined to act on the long-pending reform.
“The House is serious about upholding the Constitution in full—not selectively, but faithfully. This groundbreaking reform seeks to establish fairness, equal access to public office, and a more level playing field wherein leadership is determined by merit and the will of the people, not by the consolidation of political power within a single family,” he said.
If enacted, the proposed ban would take effect starting with the next election and apply to all subsequent polls.
Candidates would be required to submit a sworn statement to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) upon filing their certificate of candidacy, affirming that their bid would not create a prohibited dynasty relationship.
Candidates must also report within five days if circumstances arise that could result in such a relationship.
If spouses or relatives file candidacies that would trigger the prohibition, the COMELEC would notify the affected parties within five days.
The candidates would then have 48 hours to decide among themselves who will assume office if more than one wins.
If no agreement is reached, the COMELEC would settle the matter through a drawing of lots, although elected officials may voluntarily withdraw their candidacy.