Will Philippines’ new bill entrench the political dynasties it aims to curb?

A long-delayed bill meant to curb political dynasties in the Philippines – where powerful families dominate elected offices from Congress to local government – has moved closer to becoming law, but critics say the measure could end up protecting the clans it claims to restrain.

The House of Representatives approved the measure in early June, a rare advance for an anti-dynasty law, nearly four decades after the 1987 constitution directed Congress to define and prohibit political dynasties.

Lawmakers have never enacted the national legislation needed to give that provision force.

The new bill was sponsored by House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III and House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos, President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr’s eldest son – both members of prominent political clans.

It was pushed through a chamber dominated by political families.

House Bill 8389 bars close relatives – including parents, children, siblings, grandparents and grandchildren – from simultaneously holding elective posts in the same jurisdiction, such as governor, district representative or mayor.