Groups call for rejection of dynasty bill

MANILA, Philippines — Business and civil society groups are calling on President Marcos and the Senate to reject the anti-political dynasty bill passed by the House of Representatives.

Calling House Bill 8389 a pro-dynasty measure, the groups said it institutionalizes the concentration of political power among a few families instead of taking apart political dynasties.

HB 8389 prohibits relatives within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity from holding elective positions within the same jurisdiction.

“This sounds like a restriction. It is not. We have all seen a single family hold the governorship, congressional seat and mayoralty of a province simultaneously while a brother or son sits in the Senate,” the groups said.

The bill would allow unlimited succession or the practice of handing out a position to a spouse, child or sibling after reaching the term limit, they pointed out.

HB 8389 would legitimize position switching, which involves the swapping of elective posts of family members once their respective terms expire, they warned.

The proposed measure would allow relatives beyond the second degree, such as uncles, aunts and cousins, to hold offices across every level of government, the groups said.

Filipinos should support the “Dapat Isa Lang” campaign of the People’s Initiative Coalition Against Dynasties, which seeks to limit family members up to the fourth degree to one national and one local position at a time, the groups urged.

The campaign also pushes for firm prohibitions on succession and switching.

Signatories to the joint statement include the Justice Reform Initiative, Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, Makati Business Club, Management Association of the Philippines, Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, Philippine Institute of Arbitrators and Shareholders’ Association of the Philippines.