Philippines House Passes Anti-Political Dynasty Bill

On 3 June, the Philippine House of Representatives approved House Bill No. 8389, the Anti‑Political Dynasty Bill, with a 267‑20‑7 vote. The measure would bar spouses and relatives within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity from holding elective positions in the same jurisdiction, though some provisions were trimmed during deliberations. Lawmakers noted that the bill still faces a critical hurdle in the Senate and would require a bicameral conference committee before becoming law.

Representative Chel Diokno of Akbayan Partylist called for the legislation to also cover the party‑list system, saying, "Our proposal for the Anti‑Dynasty Law and our separate proposal for partylist reform included a provision preventing members of the same family from obtaining public office through partylist groups." He and legal scholar Howard Calleja favor the Senate’s version, which would allow only one candidate from a political family at any time and could cut dynastic influence by 20‑30 percent.