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 271-16-7 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.

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. 

(With reports from Llanesca T. Panti, GMA News)