House passes anti-political dynasty bill on final reading

In an unprecedented move, the House of Representatives on Wednesday passed an anti-political dynasty bill banning relatives up to the second degree of consanguinity or affinity from running for or occupying a post in the same constituency or jurisdiction on final reading.

Lawmakers voted 267-20-7 to approve House Bill 8389 on third reading, two weeks after the measure hurdled second reading approval.

Wednesday’s passage of the anti-political dynasty bill is also the farthest the bill has reached – whether in the House or in the Senate – since the 1987 Constitution was enacted.

“This bill is not about attacking families. It is about protecting institutions,” House Deputy Speaker Ferdinand Hernandez of South Cotabato’s 2nd District said.

“There are fair criticisms. But an imperfect reform is still reform. This is better than a permanent paralysis,” he added.

Navotas City Representative Toby Tiangco, who initially opposed the measure, agreed that progress needs to start somewhere.

“It would be better for us to start this reform rather than go against it just because we disagree with other provisions of the bill. Rejecting the bill entirely would result in no reduction whatsoever in political dynasties, while passage of the measure — even with weaker provisions — would still establish meaningful restrictions,” Tiangco said in explaining his yes vote.

Meanwhile, House Assistant Minority Leader Chel Diokno of Akbayan party-list criticized the passage of a "pro-dynasty bill."

“We have waited for this for at least 38 years, only to be given a piece of legislation that is more concerned with perpetuating political dynasties than ending them. Let’s not kid each other here. While it is named anti-dynasty, this is a pro-dynasty bill,” Diokno said in explaining his no vote.

“If one family can hold positions across multiple levels of government, that is still concentration of power. If they occupy a national and a local post at the same time, they can still cover for each other’s mistakes. This situation is no different from what is happening now,” he added.

Article 2 Section 26 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution mandates that “the State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.”

There is no existing anti-political dynasty law to this day, although President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier urged Congress to prioritize its passage.

HB 8389’s principal authors include Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III and House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos, the President’s eldest son. — JMA/VBL, GMA News