The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved a measure banning second-degree relatives from simultaneously running or holding public office on third and final reading. With 267 votes in favor, 20 against, and seven abstentions, the chamber passed House Bill No. 8389, or the Anti-Political Dynasty Act, which seeks to prevent spouses and relatives up to the second degree of consanguinity or affinity from holding or running for elective offices concurrently, as reported by BusinessWorld .
The bill defines political dynasty as the concentration of political power and elective posts among individuals related by blood or marriage up to the second degree. It prohibits individuals related within the prohibited degree from simultaneously serving as candidates or officeholders in the same or different elective positions at the national or local level, including in political parties and party-list organizations.
The measure now moves to the Senate for consideration. Proponents argue that the bill aims to break the cycle of political dynasties that have dominated Philippine politics for decades, promoting equal opportunity and fair representation. The bill's passage in the House comes after years of advocacy by civil society groups and reform advocates.