With the growing dominance of elite families in the Philippines, Senator Robinhood Padilla introduced a long overdue legislative measure aimed at dismantling entrenched political dynasties running the local and national governments.
Senate Bill 2730 seeks to fulfill the 1987 Constitution’s mandate to prohibit political dynasties, paving the way for a more inclusive and merit-based political landscape.
Padilla emphasized his proposal intends to break barriers that prevent the “best and the brightest” from serving the Filipino people.
Data from local elections between 1988 and 2019 revealed a significant rise in the number of governors, vice governors, and mayors with family ties in office, according to the senator.
For instance, the percentage of governors with relatives in office surged from 41 percent in 1988 to 80 percent in 2019.
A 2013 study by Tusalem and Pe-Aguirre also noted that areas with more political dynasties tend to have higher congressional funds but suffer from higher crime rates and poor governance. These regions also lag in employment, infrastructure, and healthcare spending.
Moreover, a 2011 Harvard Academy research study pointed out that political dynasties persist because elites maintain and reproduce their power, undermining institutional reforms.
Under the proposed bill, no spouse or relative within the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity of an incumbent elective official seeking re-election would be allowed to run for any elective office in the same city or province.
This rule extends to national positions if the incumbent’s constituency is national in character.
Candidates must file a sworn statement with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) confirming they do not have a political dynasty relationship with any incumbent official running for office in the same city or province.
The Comelec will handle disqualification petitions and suspend proclamations if a candidate’s disqualification basis is strong, according to the proposed measure.
Padilla, who chairs the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes, stressed that this bill is crucial for leveling the political playing field and enhancing governance accountability.
“Given that this measure complies with the legislature’s mandate to enact an anti-political dynasty law and is a step towards leveling the playing field in politics and governance, the passage thereof is earnestly sought,” noted the senator.
Padilla stated that dynasties have exhausted resources to attain economic and political dominance while compromising political competition and accountability. His bill aims to create a fairer political environment, encouraging more diverse, competent candidates to step up and serve the nation.
