Philippine House committee approves ban on 2nd degree for political masters

THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES COMMITTEE on Tuesday approved a bill barring second-degree relatives from holding the reins of government at the same time, marking a step forward in efforts to curb political dynasties under President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s administration.

The House Suffrage and Electoral Reforms Committee passed an unnumbered measure that would have barred spouses and relatives up to the second degree of consanguinity from holding election office at the same time.

The measure also limits families from holding multiple state offices and limits the number of congressional seats that can be held by relatives within a single legislative district.

“This is still a step forward,” said Lanao del Sur Rep. Ziaur-Rahman Alonto Adiong, chairman of the committee, told a press conference after the approval of the committee. The version they passed should be more effective than the broader proposals that include fourth degree relatives.

Mr. Marcos made limiting political sovereignty a priority after public criticism over the misuse of billions of pesos in congressional district funds.

Supporters view the bill as a cornerstone of broader governance reform efforts following a scandal related to flood control plans.

The initiative is designed to be effective immediately in the next election cycle. Candidates for public positions must submit affidavits stating that they do not have second relatives holding elected positions.

Despite the approval, some lawmakers and critics say the move is too weak to topple entrenched monarchs.

“What they passed is an undermining of the Constitution,” said the Deputy House Minority Leader and Caloocan Rep. Edgar R. Erice told reporters. The 1987 constitution prohibits political generations but requires an enabling law.

The committee version was chosen because lawmakers thought it would secure the support of a majority in the chamber. “This is the version we think we can pass in the House, and we think we can get a lot of support,” Bukidnon Representative Jonathan Keith T. Flores told the same forum as Mr. Adiong.

Business organizations and civil society organizations have called for a stricter law that includes relatives up to the fourth degree and prevents officials from exchanging positions to cross borders.

The coalition, which includes the Makati Business Club, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Management Association of the Philippines, also proposed a “cooling off” period to stop officials from returning immediately to the same position after a certain period of time.

Mr. Adiong said lawmakers can hold a referendum if they want comprehensive reforms. “They are free to do whatever they want,” he said.

The passage of this bill represents a balancing act: addressing public demand for change while ensuring sufficient support among lawmakers, many of whom are members of political families themselves.

Eight out of 10 congressmen are part of the monarchy, according to the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism.

The Senate has developed its own proposal. The Chamber’s Committee on Electoral Reforms submitted a report to the plenary last month seeking to prevent relatives up to the second degree of consanguinity or relationship from holding government positions simultaneously or on concurrent terms.

Under Senate Bill No. 1901, relatives or associates shall be prohibited from holding concurrent or concurrent terms in national and local offices, and from holding office in all party-list parties and in elected positions.

It also prevents immediate succession, preventing a spouse or relative from taking over immediately after the tenure of an existing family member.

The bill authorizes the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to revoke the certificate of candidacy of persons found to be part of a political dynasty or those who deliberately conceal such relationships. All applicants must submit sworn declarations stating that they are not in a prohibited relationship.

Concealment of information, falsification of documents, malicious filing, coercion or resignation established to enable relatives to run for election shall be considered election offenses under the Omnibus Election Code. In cases where many relatives apply for the same position and no one voluntarily withdraws, the Comelec may use drawing lots.

As the measure moves to the House floor, the focus will be on whether lawmakers adopt stronger provisions or allow the second-rate limit to become law, leaving broader genealogy changes for later. – Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio