Who's afraid of anti-political dynasty legislation?

THINKING BEYOND POLITICS - In a December 2025 meeting of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., himself a product of a rich tradition of political dynasties on both sides of his family, called on Congress to make anti-political dynasty measures a priority.

- VICTOR ANDRES C. MANHIT

(PHILIPPINE STAR/MICHAEL DE GUZMAN)

Responding to the President's call, House Speaker Bojie Dy and Majority Leader Rep. Sandro Marcos both filed House Bill 6771, also known as the “Anti-Political Dynasty Act.” At the Senate, six counterpart bills were filed as well.

Is this a sincere call for reform, or is this for show?

The issue is ready for action — and the people know it. A Pulse Asia survey conducted on Dec. 12-15 last year showed that 54% of Filipinos support the immediate passage of a law banning political dynasties. Clearly, the public recognizes the negative effects of concentrating political power in just a few families.

No less than the 1987 Constitution contemplates a society without political dynasties. Article II Section 26 states: “The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.”

It is this statement — “as may be defined by law” — that has been tricky, and that has allowed the same old systems and the same old names to proliferate despite the Constitutional prohibition in principle. Because those who will define the law are themselves products and beneficiaries of dynasties, what would they gain from legislating an enabling law that could spell the demise of a system that has given them power?

Thus, asking how serious our current leaders are in proposing anti-dynasty measures is a valid reaction.