MANILA— Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has filed a bill aimed at ending political dynasties in the country, emphasizing that “leadership should be earned, not inherited.”

The proposed legislation, formally titled An Act Defining and Prohibiting Political Dynasties, Providing Penalties Therefor, and for Other Purposes, seeks to prohibit immediate family members of elected officials—spouses and relatives up to the second degree of consanguinity or affinity—from simultaneously holding or seeking public office at both local and national levels.

This includes positions such as barangay captain, mayor, governor, district representative, and party-list nominee. The measure was filed ahead of the opening of the 20th Congress.

“Political power and public service must never be treated as a birthright. But without an enabling law, our democracy has been hijacked by dynasties,” Pangilinan said in a statement.

“Leadership should be earned, not inherited.” The senator stressed.

No law passed despite constitutional mandate

Although the 1987 Constitution mandates a ban on political dynasties, no enabling legislation has ever been passed to enforce it.

Pangilinan said the bill is intended to “level the playing field” in politics, strengthen democratic processes, and prevent the continued concentration of power “among a privileged few”.

The senator also cited data from the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), which highlights the dynastic grip on the country’s political landscape:

● 87 percent of provincial governors come from political families

● 8 in 10 district representatives belong to dynastic clans

● 67 percent of House members and 53 percent of mayors are dynastic

● At least 18 “obese dynasties”—defined as families with five or more relatives in elective office—currently exist

● Around 800 out of 18,000 elective positions (4.5 percent) were uncontested in the last elections

Dynasties linked to poverty and underdevelopment

The bill’s explanatory note links the prevalence of political dynasties to persistent poverty and underdevelopment in the country’s poorest provinces. It warns that dynasties weaken institutional checks and balances, reduce electoral competition, and promote personality-driven politics over policy and public interest.

“Our Constitution is clear—political dynasties must be prohibited,” Pangilinan said. “This bill is about restoring balance, opening doors for new leaders, and upholding the promise of democracy.”

The proposed measure also allows any citizen to file a verified petition with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to cancel the Certificate of Candidacy (COC) of any candidate found in violation of the law.

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