MANILA — Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has filed a bill seeking to prohibit political dynasties by banning spouses and relatives within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity from running for or holding public office at the same time.

The measure titled “An Act Defining and Prohibiting Political Dynasties, Providing Penalties Therefor, and for Other Purposes” seeks to implement the long-unrealized constitutional ban on political dynasties.

Under the bill, no spouse or close relative of an incumbent elected official may run for national or local posts—including barangay captain, mayor, governor, district representative, and even party-list nominee—while the family member is in office.

“Political power and public service must never be treated as a birthright. But without an enabling law, our democracy has been hijacked by dynasties,” Pangilinan said in a statement. “Leadership should be earned, not inherited.”

The proposed measure would also empower any citizen to file a verified petition before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to cancel the certificate of candidacy of violators.

Pangilinan cited data from the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism showing the dominance of dynasties in the political landscape:

• 87% of provincial governors are from political families
• 8 in 10 district representatives belong to dynastic clans
• 67% of House members and 53% of mayors are dynastic
• At least 18 “obese dynasties” have five or more relatives in office
• 800 out of 18,000 elective positions were uncontested in the last polls

The bill’s explanatory note links political dynasties to poverty and underdevelopment in the country’s poorest provinces, and warns that unchecked family rule undermines checks and balances, weakens democratic competition, and encourages personality politics.

“Our Constitution is clear—political dynasties must be prohibited,” Pangilinan said. “This bill is about restoring balance, opening doors for new leaders, and upholding the promise of democracy.”

The measure is awaiting assignment of a bill number and referral to the appropriate Senate committee.