Photo Courtesy : AkbayanReform Bloc
MANILA — Lawmakers from the Akbayan Reform Bloc led by Rep. Chel Diokno, Rep. Perci Cendaña, Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula, and Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao filed the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill in the House of Representatives today.
Dinagat Islands Representative Kaka Bag-ao, known as a “dragon slayer” for defeating four members of a local dynasty in her province.
“Ordinary Filipinos shouldn’t have to fight political dynasties just to serve their communities. They’re not the real dragons that need slaying,” Bag-ao said. “For me, the real dragons are poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment. This bill ensures that capable leaders from communities can tackle those challenges without being blocked by inherited power.”
The filing comes amid the continued dominance of political dynasties in the Philippines. According to the Ateneo Policy Center, dynasties increased from 19 percent of all elected positions in 1988 to 29 percent in 2017, adding roughly 170 positions per election cycle. By 2019, families holding multiple simultaneous elected offices continued to grow, reflecting entrenched power across local and national levels.
Studies show the impact on governance and development is significant. A 2015 Philippine Institute for Development Studies report found dynasties concentrated in the poorest provinces, often reinforcing weak institutions, persistent poverty, and limited economic opportunities.
The bill defines political dynasties clearly and specifies prohibited familial relationships among candidates and elected officials. Its authors said the measure is designed to broaden leadership, open democratic spaces, and give reform-oriented leaders a fair chance to serve.
“This is about giving our communities more voices and more choices,” Bag-ao said.
“Our Constitution is a mandate that must be upheld,” Diokno said. “Sadly, political dynasties have grown in defiance of that mandate for decades. We should finally put a stop to this by passing this measure so we can end corruption and the rule of the few, giving others the opportunity to serve our countrymen.””
“The principle behind this bill is not new,” Bag-ao added, referencing the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Law (RA 10742), which she authored. “We’ve already ensured that SK leadership isn’t inherited. It’s time to do the same across all levels of government.”
For Cendaña, “Hindi lang tayo dapat magpasa ng basta-bastang Anti-Political Dynasty Law. Dapat comprehensive. Dapat walang sinasanto at walang lusot. Political dynasties not only monopolize political power and economic opportunity in the hands of a few, they are also opportunities for corruption.
Cendaña added, “Parang kartel sa negosyo, pag sinosolo ng iilang pamilya ang poder, oportunidad ito na magkamal ng pera imbes na maglingkod sa bayan. Kung ang mayor ay kurakot paano nga naman siya babantayan ng vice mayor at mga konsehal kung sila yung asawa, anak, o pinsan niya?”
“Public office is meant for service, not family inheritance,” said Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula. “Leadership should go to those who step up for the many, not those who simply protect power for the few.”
“In Mindanao, provinces controlled by political dynasties suffer from decades of inequality and injustice. If we end the rule of dynasties, we can unlock development in Mindanao.”
“At stake is the promise of democratic equality,” the Akbayan Reform Bloc said. “We cannot call ourselves a democracy if power keeps circulating among the same families. It’s time to widen the door so leadership truly comes from the people.”
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