By Zaldy De Layola
MANILA – Speaker Faustino Dy III hailed on Tuesday the approval by the House of Representatives Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms of the consolidated Anti-Political Dynasty bill, calling it a decisive step toward enforcing a long-standing constitutional mandate.
The committee action moves the measure one step closer to becoming law, advancing legislation that seeks to prohibit the concentration of elective political power within families at both national and local levels.
“For nearly four decades, the constitution has directed Congress to prohibit political dynasties. Today, we move closer to fulfilling that mandate,” Dy said in a news release.
The committee chaired by Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong adopted House Bill No. 6671, principally authored by Dy and House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos, as the working draft of the consolidated measure.
The approved version bars political dynasties within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity, effectively prohibiting arrangements such as mayor-and-vice mayor spouses, siblings serving simultaneously as senators, and a father serving as governor while a child serves as a provincial board member in the same province.
Dy said the second-degree coverage reflects consultations across the country, where stakeholders raised both support and concerns about implementation.
“The second-degree coverage is the product of listening, careful study and efforts to find common ground. It reflects a balanced approach instituting this long overdue reform, firm enough to give real meaning to the constitutional ban, yet measured enough to ensure fairness and practical implementation,” Dy said.
Article II, Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution directs the State to prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law, but Congress has never enacted an enabling statute.
Dy stressed that “the House is serious about upholding the constitution in full — not selectively, but faithfully.”
“This groundbreaking reform seeks to establish fairness, equal access to public office, and a more level playing field wherein leadership is determined by merit and the will of the people, not by the consolidation of political power within a single family,” he said.
The approved bill prohibits spouses and relatives within the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity, whether legitimate or illegitimate, full or half-blood, from simultaneously holding certain elective positions.
At the national level, spouses and second-degree relatives are barred from simultaneously holding any national elective position, including President, Vice President and senator. The prohibition likewise applies within the same provincial government, the same city or municipality, and the same village.
If enacted, the prohibition will take effect beginning in the next election and in all subsequent elections.
To strengthen compliance, the bill requires candidates to execute and file a sworn statement and undertaking with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) upon filing their certificates of candidacy, declaring that their candidacy will not create a prohibited political dynasty relationship.
Candidates must also report within five days if circumstances arise that could result in such a relationship. If spouses or relatives file candidacies that would create a prohibited relationship, the Comelec must notify the affected parties within five days.
The candidates will have 48 hours to decide among themselves who will assume office if more than one wins. If no agreement is reached, the Comelec will hold a drawing of lots. Elected officials may also voluntarily withdraw their candidacies. (PNA)
