Anti-Political Dynasty Bill Could Affect 5,000 Posts

  • Senator

Senator Risa Hontiveros said during a press conference in Cebu City that the anti-political dynasty bill being tackled in the Senate could affect around 30 percent of elective positions nationwide.

The Senate version of the bill, which is undergoing interpellation, bars candidates who are relatives up to the second degree of consanguinity and affinity from running for office.

A calculation by CDN Digital shows that the 30-percent figure translates to around 5,000 elective positions.

Hontiveros distinguished the Senate proposal from the counterpart measure approved by the House of Representatives, saying she is looking forward to the progress of the proposal as it moves through the interpellation and amendment stages.

Among the provisions in the Senate version is one that would prohibit political families from participating in the party-list system if members of the same family already occupy either a national or local elective position.

### Senator's Background

Senator Risa Hontiveros is a prominent figure in the Philippines, known for her advocacy on women's rights and social justice. She has been a senator since 2016 and has been a vocal critic of political dynasties in the country.

Hontiveros said the measure covers couples who are not legally married but publicly present themselves as partners, are recognized as such, and live in the same household.

These relationships would likewise fall under the proposed restrictions on political dynasty relations.

### What It Means

If enacted, the anti-political dynasty law could be a significant step towards reducing the influence of political families in the country. However, it is not clear how the law would be implemented, and what the consequences would be for individuals and families affected by the law.

### Next Steps

The bill is currently undergoing interpellation and amendment stages in the Senate. A bicameral conference committee session is expected to be held soon to reconcile the Senate and House versions of the measure.

### Key Facts

  • 30 percent of elective positions nationwide could be affected by the bill.
  • 5,000 elective positions could be restricted by the proposed law.
  • The Senate version of the bill prohibits candidates who are relatives up to the second degree of consanguinity and affinity from running for office.
  • The bill covers couples who are not legally married but publicly present themselves as partners.
  • A bicameral conference committee session is expected to be held soon to reconcile the Senate and House versions of the measure.