In a striking move that has raised eyebrows across the political spectrum, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has issued a directive to prioritize legislation banning political dynasties in the Philippines. This order comes despite the President himself being a prominent member of one of the nation's most enduring political clans.
A Constitutional Mandate, A Legislative Stalemate
The 1987 Philippine Constitution is clear on the matter. Article II, Section 26 mandates that "The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law." The charter's framers intended to level the playing field and prevent the concentration of power within families.
However, for nearly four decades since the Constitution's ratification, no enabling law has been passed to give this prohibition teeth. The responsibility to define and outlaw political dynasties rests with Congress, a body where, ironically, the practice is most entrenched. Over 80 percent of the 253 district representatives elected in the Philippines are members of political families. This inherent conflict of interest has resulted in a persistent legislative gridlock.
The President's Directive and the Marcos Dynasty
On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, President Marcos formally directed Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Speaker Faustino Dy III to expedite the review and passage of bills aimed at prohibiting political dynasties. The anti-dynasty measure is listed among the administration's priority bills, alongside the Party List System Reform Act and others.
The irony of the situation is not lost on observers. President Marcos is a key figure in a vast network of familial power. His immediate political family includes:
- His son, Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos.
- His sister, Senator Imee Marcos.
- His cousin, former Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez.
- Cousin-in-law, Tingog party list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez.
The clan's influence extends to local governments, with relatives holding positions such as Ilocos Norte Governor, Vice Governor, and Mayor of cities like Laoag and Tacloban. This context makes the President's directive a potentially self-sacrificing political maneuver.
The Cycle of Power and Public Skepticism
A primary driver of entrenched dynasties is the term limit for elected officials. When a mayor, governor, or congressman reaches their term cap, a spouse, child, sibling, or other relative often seamlessly takes their place, ensuring the family's continued hold on power and resources.
Recently, political dynasties have faced renewed scrutiny due to their alleged involvement in government project anomalies, including the flood control scandal. This has amplified public calls for reform and greater accountability.
While many are bewildered by President Marcos's unexpected push, some analysts see it as a calculated move at an opportune time. It echoes the sentiment from Shakespeare's Julius Caesar: "There is a tide in the affairs of men, which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune." Whether this directive will finally break the decades-long deadlock and translate into a concrete law that reshapes Philippine politics remains the critical question. The ball is now in the court of a Congress dominated by the very system it is asked to dismantle.
