Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms and People’s Participation has approved the anti-political dynasty bill which twelve (12) senators signed the committee report, Senate Deputy Majority Leader Risa Hontiveros announced Tuesday, February 24.
Hontiveros, chairperson of the Committee, said the panel agreed to push a version of the measure that would prohibit political dynasties up to the second degree of consanguinity and affinity.
Under the proposed bill, immediate family members — including a father, mother, sibling, spouse, or child — would be barred from running for public office if another family member is already seeking or holding an elective position.
“We are hopeful that we will be able to pass the measure into law by the end of March,” Hontiveros said in an interview.
Signatories to the report
Aside from Hontiveros, the senators who signed the committee report are Erwin Tulfo, JV Ejercito, Kiko Pangilinan, Ping Lacson, Loren Legarda, Sherwin Gatchalian, Robin Padilla, Imee Marcos, Migz Zubiri, Bam Aquino, and Lito Lapid.
While Hontiveros’ original proposal sought to ban political dynasties up to the fourth degree of consanguinity, she said she is open to adjustments during interpellations.
The Senate version separates national and local positions, meaning relatives may run for national and local posts simultaneously. However, party-list positions would be prohibited if a political dynasty already holds a national or local office.
The measure also bars the simultaneous and successive holding of positions by family members.
The bill introduces a “right of first refusal” mechanism, requiring families to determine internally who among them may seek office. In cases of disagreement, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) would be authorized to intervene. The proposed law grants Comelec enforcement powers to effectively implement the ban.
“It’s a first step. And if the Comelec implements this fully and well, it will start in 2028,” Hontiveros said, adding that implementation would begin in the next election cycle.
Coverage expanded
The proposed measure also includes illegitimate children or those born outside of marriage within the second degree of consanguinity. Couples who are cohabiting — regardless of civil status or sexual orientation, gender identity, expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) — would also fall under the prohibition.
“Regardless of their civil status and regardless of their SOGIESC, they should be covered by the ban,” Hontiveros stressed.
The senator expressed hope that the President would certify the bill as urgent, noting that it is included in the priority legislative agenda of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).
