Another bill vs. political dynasty filed at Senate

Senator Risa Hontiveros has filed a measure seeking to prohibit the establishment of political dynasties in a bid to restore fairness in the electoral system, and ensure that people get to vote for candidates based on their merits and not their birthright.

Under Senate Bill No. 1548, Hontiveros defined political dynasty as the concentration, consolidation, or perpetuation of public office and political power by spouses or relatives among national or local elective offices.

Citing studies, the senator emphasized that dynastic dominance “fosters environments where corruption is more likely to flourish, as entrenched families can divert public resources, weaken oversight and engage in self-serving policies without fear or accountability.”
 
“Political dynasties weaken democratic institutions and produce poorer governance outcomes, particularly when ‘fat dynasties’ allow multiple family members to simultaneously hold elective offices within the same jurisdiction,” she said in the bill’s explanatory note.

Hontiveros also underscored the need to pass an anti-political dynasty law to restore fairness in the electoral system, strengthen public institutions, and ensure that government leadership is determined not by birth or inherited political machinery, but by merit, integrity, and a genuine and meaningful mandate from the people.

Under the proposed measure, any violation shall be punished as an election offense, in accordance with the provisions of the Omnibus Election Code.

Aside from Hontiveros, at least three senators have also filed bills in the 20th Congress seeking to prohibit political dynasties in the Philippines. —LDF, GMA Integrated News