A recently proposed measure aiming to regulate political families in the Philippines is facing sharp criticism for being too narrow and ineffective. House Bill No. 06771, presented as a reform, is now under scrutiny for containing provisions that critics say fail to address the core mechanisms of dynastic power.
Key Flaws in the Proposed Legislation
An initial review of the bill reveals significant shortcomings. Section 5(2) of HB 06771 prohibits relatives from holding or running for the same position in the same legislative district. However, analysts point out this scenario is already impossible under the current Constitution, which allows only one representative per district at any time. This renders the provision redundant and highlights a lack of substantive new regulation.
More critically, the bill's omissions are seen as its greatest weakness. It does not limit how many relatives can hold public office simultaneously across different positions. It also fails to address the issue of overlapping constituencies, where family members dominate interconnected government posts. Most importantly, the measure is silent on dynastic succession—the common practice where power is directly passed from one family member to another, ensuring continuous clan control.
Risk of a Performative Reform
These substantial gaps threaten to make the law a performative measure. Experts warn it could create an illusion of reform without fulfilling the Constitution's explicit mandate. The 1987 Philippine Constitution clearly instructs the state to "prevent the concentration of political power in the hands of a few" and ensure "equal access to opportunities for public service."
Without addressing the real methods of entrenchment, HB 06771 risks reinforcing the very dynasties it claims to regulate. A law this limited cannot effectively curb the concentration of power or strengthen democratic participation. It falls short of delivering the constitutional promise of equal opportunity for all Filipinos seeking public office.
A Call for Genuine Reform
The critique, published on December 18, 2025, calls on other members of Congress to stand with the Filipino people and take these legislative gaps seriously. Advocates stress that a genuine and comprehensive anti-dynasty law is long overdue. The need is for legislation that truly curbs political power concentration and lives up to the constitutional ideal.
The path forward requires lawmakers to move beyond symbolic gestures. The Filipino people deserve a responsive and meaningful anti-dynasty measure that tackles the root causes of political clan dominance, not just its surface appearances.
