Senator Erwin Tulfo / Senate of the Philippines
MANILA — Senator Erwin Tulfo on Tuesday said legislation against political dynasties will remain difficult to pass because many lawmakers in Congress are themselves members of political families.
Tulfo made the remarks during the August 19 hearing of the Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms and People’s Participation. He noted that while the 1987 Constitution prohibits political dynasties, it requires Congress to pass an enabling law to define and enforce the ban. To date, no nationwide measure has been enacted.
A constitutional gap
Article II, Section 26 of the Constitution states: “The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.” The Supreme Court has ruled that the clause is non-self-executing, meaning it cannot be enforced without legislation from Congress.
Pending bills in the Senate
At least three anti-dynasty bills are currently filed:
- Senate Bill No. 18 by Senator Robinhood Padilla
- Senate Bill No. 35 by Senator Panfilo Lacson
- Senate Bill No. 285 by Senator Francis Pangilinan
Each proposal outlines restrictions on the relatives of incumbent officials but all remain at the committee stage.
There are, however, limited anti-dynasty rules already in place. The Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act of 2016disqualifies SK candidates related within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity to sitting officials. The Bangsamoro Electoral Code also bars close relatives from running in the same territory. Commission on Elections Chair George Garcia told senators this week that a second-degree restriction could serve as a workable national benchmark.
Dynasties dominate public office
Independent studies support Tulfo’s claim that many elected officials belong to dynasties:
- About 70 percent of House members have dynastic ties, according to earlier congressional analyses.
- A 2024 Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism audit found 87 percent of provincial governors came from political families.
- Researchers describe the growth of “fat dynasties,” where multiple relatives hold positions at the same time.
This dominance underscores the political challenge: passing an anti-dynasty law would require many legislators to limit their own families’ participation in elections.
