EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
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SEN ATE ^
S. No. 1480
Senate
'«0|{ic? of tl)e ^rctftarp
20 MAY-4 P3 28
received BV:
Introduced by Senator Grace Poe
AN ACT
DEFINING AND PROHIBITING POLITICAL DYNASTIES, PROVIDING 
PENALTIES THEREFORE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
There is a wealth of academic research and a whole collection of extensive 
articles that have been written on the evils of political dynasties. In a previous study, 
70 percent of the 15th Philippine Congress is considered dynastic. Eighty percent of the 
youngest congressmen (age 26-40) are from dynastic clans.1 Dynasties dominate all of 
the major political parties. According to a recent study by the Asian Institute of 
Management:2
Over-all the emerging evidence suggests that political dynasties still 
appear entrenched, notwithstanding the emergence of strong advocacies 
against dynastic clans. While efforts to curb the "demand" for dynasties 
(through strong advocacy and information campaigns targeted at voters) 
were initiated, little seems to have changed in terms of a stronger 
"supply" of alternative leaders. The present political parties have not yet 
been able to address the latter; and part of the challenge lies in the 
strong role that dynasties already play in the more established parties.
This lends credence to the view that new political parties could play a key 
role in developing clear alternatives to the political dynasties and their 
traditional politics.
The Constitution provides that the "State shall guarantee equal access to 
opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined
1 Mendoza, Beja, Venida and Yap. 2012. Inequality in democracy: Insights from an empirical analysis of political 
dynasties in the 15th Philippine Congress. Philippine Political Science Journal 33(2):132-145.
2 Mendoza, Lopez, Yap, Canare. 2013. The 2013 Philippine Mid-Term Election: An Empirical Analysis of 
Dynasties, Vote Buying and the Correlates of Senate Vote.
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by law."3 Many have called on Congress to fulfill its obligation to pass an anti-dynasty 
law. However, twenty seven years since its ratification of the Constitution, there has 
been no law passed to breathe life to this Constitutionally enshrined duty of the State.4
Article II, Section 1 of the Constitution provides that the Philippines is a 
democratic and republican state. This declaration notwithstanding, there is a great need 
to ensure that ours is a democracy that is inclusive, rather than one beyond the reach 
of most, representative of all, rather than representative of a few. Also pursuant to the 
foregoing principles and mindful of the undue advantage available to an incumbent 
official by virtue of the resources avaiiabie to and power of his or her public office and 
the term limits imposed by the Constitution and other reievant laws, this bill aims to put 
an end to the practice of politicai dynasties of unfairiy perpetuating their hoid on power 
and elective positions.
On average, there are more dynasties in regions with higher incidents of poverty, 
lower human development and more severe deprivation5 with provinces run by political 
clans tending to be laggards in meeting the Miiiennium Development Goals.6 While 
there might be so-called "good" individuals who belong to dynasties, the institution and 
phenomenon of poiitical dynasties themselves can never be a good thing for a 
democratic republic like ours. By virtue of the term limits enunciated in our Constitution, 
even so-cailed "good" leaders have a limit with regard to their stay in office - political 
dynasties try to skirt around this. Further, it is believed that the true trait of a good 
leader is one who is able to empower and inspire others to take the cudgels in leading. 
Even further, in order for reforms to be sustained, no 'DNA' formula will ever guarantee 
it as much as institutional and cultural reform. This biii makes no distinction between 
the so-called "good" and "bad"political dynasties.
One of the main reasons why politicai dynasties are not good for democracy and 
inimical to social justice is the consoiidation of power both politicai and economic in the 
hands of a few. This is manifested by those beionging to the same family who run for 
public office one after the other with inherent undue advantage to their next of kin, 
compared to those who wiil be running against them (succession) as well as those who 
run to occupy more than one position (power tandems). For purposes of this bill, power 
tandems and power successions should both be prohibited. These relationships are 
sometimes referred to as "vertical" or "horizontal" political dynasties.
3 Philippine Constitution, art. II § 26.
4 This bill builds upon the position of the Anti-Dynasty Movement, a campaign network of individuals and groups 
from various sectors advocating for the passage of an Anti-Political Dy nasty Law. This network includes Ang 
Kapatiran Party (Alliance for the Common Good), Aksyong Kabayanihan Para sa Organisadong Pagbabago 
(ANGKOP), Dilaab Foundation, Green Team Pilipinas International, Inc., Krusada Kontra Dynasty, Juana Change 
Movement, Movement Against Political Dynasties, Inc. (MAD), MAD-Crusade Against Dynasty and Corruption, 
Partido Lakas ng Masa, St. Thomas More Society, Inc. Law Center, Solidarity Movement Philippines, and Anti- 
Political Dynasty Movement (ANDAYAMO).
5 M.
6 Still a Family Affair, appearing on httD://Dcii.org/stories/still-a-familv-affair/ citing a 2003 study of economists 
Solita and Toby Monsod.


Although the building block of society is the family and that it is characteristic for 
Filipino families to be closely knit with children often times wanting to follow in their 
parents' footsteps, it should be remembered that a public office is unlike other private 
enterprises. It bears repeating that public office is a public trust. The common good is 
best served by putting restrictions on those belonging to the same family when it comes 
to occupying elective positions, because of the vast resources at their disposal, the 
enormous power and influence they wield and the far-reaching consequences of their 
actions and decisions.
In drafting this bill, the author has taken into account therestrictions on an 
appointing person's appointing prerogative (the President included) in light of the 
dangers of nepotism, and the time-honored exclusions in the Rules of Evidence that 
have recognized the family's unique dynamics and the various provisions in Civil Law 
that were put in place precisely not to undermine the family structure, thus, this bill 
provides that the prohibition on political dynasties be confined to those falling within the 
second (2)d) degree of consanguinity and/or affinity. Beyond the 2nd degree might be 
unduly restrictive.
To fight the evils brought about by the non-democratization of power, the 
absence of checks-and-balances and the consolidation and concentration of political and 
economic power, the prohibitions in this bill, the prohibition against those beionging to 
the same famiiy from hoiding eiective positions is directed at those with overlapping 
'jurisdictions'or constituencies, as follows:
a) A relative intending to replace to succeed an incumbent;
b) If the incumbent is an elective barangay official, the spouse and relatives within 
the second degree of consanguinity or affinity are prohibited to run 
simultaneously for any position in the same barangay as well as in all the 
barangays in municipalities/ cities within the same legislative district;
c) If the incumbent is an elective official of the municipality/city, legislative district 
and/or province, the spouse and relatives within the second degree of 
consanguinity or affinity are prohibited to run for or hold any elective local office 
simultaneously with the incumbent within the same municipality/city, legislative 
district and/or province;
d) If the incumbent is a national elective official, the spouse and relatives within the 
second degree of consanguinity or affinity are likewise prohibited to run 
simultaneously for any position in the national level or in the local level as mayor, 
governor or district representative in any part of the country. However, the 
spouse and said relatives may run for vice governor, vice mayor, or any 
legislative councils at the provincial, city or municipal level;
e) If the incumbent is a governor or district representative, the spouse and relatives 
within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity are also prohibited to run 
simultaneously for any position in the national level; or


f) Persons who are not holding any public office shall likewise be prohibited from 
running in the same election if their election will result in a political dynasty 
relationship.
On the issue of barangay officials, it should be noted that since the Punong 
Barangay serves as executive, legislative and judiciary, there is more reason to shield 
the position from potential influences of familial relations. Based on consultations on the 
ground, there are many instances of graft and corruption at the Barangay level with the 
highest incidence in barangays where the members of the Sanggunian have dynastic 
relations with one another.
On the issue of national elective officials, this bill provides that by the very 
nature of the office and position, a nationally elected official's influence is not only 
confined to the province where he or she is registered. However, in order not to 
unduly restrict, this bill provides that the proscription should cover only key positions 
at the local level, such as district representative. Governor or Mayor, whereas the 
spouse and relatives may run for vice governor, vice mayor, or any legislative 
councils at the provincial, city or municipal level.
In view of the foregoing, approval of this measure is eagerly sought
grace POE


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE
^cnat^
(0ffi£? of tlje ^etiettrp
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
20 MAY-4
SENATE
S. No. 1480
Introduced by Senator Grace Poe
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AN ACT
DEFINING AND PROHIBITING POLITICAL DYNASTIES, PROVIDING 
PENALTIES THEREFORE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
Section. 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as "The Anti-Political Dynasty
Act."
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to 
guarantee and provide equal access to opportunities for public office and public service 
to any qualified Filipino, pursuant to Section 26, Article II of the 1987 Constitution. 
Towards this end, the State shall prohibit political dynasties as defined under Section 5 
of this Act.
Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act:
a) "COMELEC"shdW refer to the Commission on Elections.
b) '^Holding an Elective Officd' shall be deemed to commence the moment the 
public official takes his oath of office and assumes his position.
c) "National office"s\\aW refer to the Presidency, the Vice-Presidency, the Senate 
of the Philippines or the House of Representatives.
d) "Political Dynast)/' shall refer to the concentration, consolidation and/or 
perpetuation of political powers by persons related to one another within the 
second degree of consanguinity or affinity.


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e) "Political Dynasty Relationship!' shall exist when the spouse or any relative
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within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity of an incumbent elective
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official, runs for public office to succeed or replace the incumbent, or runs for
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or holds any elective local office simultaneously with the incumbent within the
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same province, legislative district and/or city/municipality, and within the
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same barangay and barangays within the same legislative district. The
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relationship also exists if the incumbent is a national elective official, and the
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spouse or relatives within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity run
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for any position in the national level or in the local level as mayor, governor
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or district representative in any part of the country. It shall also be deemed to
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exist where two (2) or more persons who are spouses, or are related to one
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another within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity run
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simultaneously for elective public office at the national level, or at the local
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level within the same province, legislative district and/or municipality/city,
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and within the same barangay and/or barangays within the same legislative
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district, even if neither is so related to an incumbent elective official.
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f) "Spouse" shall refer to the legal and common-law wife or husband of an
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incumbent elective official;
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g) "Second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity" shall refer to the relatives of
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a person who may be the latter's brother or sister, whether of full or half-
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blood, direct ascendant or direct descendant, whether legitimate, illegitimate
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or adopted, including their spouses;
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h) " Term Limitd' shall mean the maximum term limits for elected public officials
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as provided for in the Constitution.
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i) "Runs for an elective office"shd\\ be deemed to commence upon the filing of
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the certificate of candidacy by a candidate with the Commission on Elections.
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Sec. 4. Applicability. - This Act shall govern and be applicable to the next
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elections and all subsequent elections thereafter. In the case of incumbent elected
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officials who have political dynasty relationship with one another at the national level


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and/or local level, they shall be allowed to run in all subsequent elections until they
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reach their respective term iimits as provided for in the Constitution.
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Sec. 5. Prohibited Candidates; Scenarios Covered. - Any person with poiitical
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dynasty relationship, as defined in Section 3 above, with any incumbent elective official,
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shall not be allowed to run for or hold public office in the following manner:
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a) To succeed or repiace the said incumbent;
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b) If the incumbent is an elective barangay official, the spouse and the above
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relatives are prohibited to run simultaneously for any position in the same
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barangay as well as in all the barangays in municipalities/cities within the same
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legislative district;
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c) If the incumbent is an elective official of the municipality/city, legislative district
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and/or province, the spouse and above reiatives are prohibited to run for or hold
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any elective iocal office simuitaneously with the incumbent within the same
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municipality/city, legislative district and/or province;
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d) If the incumbent is a national elective officiai, the spouse and the above reiatives
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are likewise prohibited to run simultaneously for any position in the national level
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or in the local level as mayor, governor or district representative in any part of
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the country. However, the spouse and said relatives may run for vice governor,
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vice mayor, or any iegisiative councils at the provincial, city or municipal level;
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e) If the incumbent is a governor or district representative, the spouse and the
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above relatives are also prohibited to run simuitaneously for any position in the
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nationai ievel.
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Persons who are not hoiding any public office shali likewise 
be prohibited from
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running in the same election if their election will result in a political dynasty relationship.
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Provided, however, that if the same elective position is involved, the bona fide
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certificate of candidacy that was filed first will be recognized.
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Sec. 6. Petition for Disquaiification. - Any citizen of voting age, candidate, or
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duly-registered political party, organization, or coalition of poiitical parties, may file with
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the COMELEC, after the last day of filing of certificate of candidacy and before


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proclamation, a verified Petition to Disqualify a candidate on grounds provided for in
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Section 5 of this Act.
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Sec. 7. Summary Proceedings. - The petition shall be heard and decided
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summarily by the COMELEC, after due notice and hearing, and the decision shall be
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executed after the lapse of five (5) days from receipt thereof by the losing party.
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Sec. 8. Effect of Violation of Prohibition. - The COMELEC shall, motu proprio or
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upon a verified petition of any interested party, deny due course to any Certificate of
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Candidacy filed in violation of this Act.
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Sec. 9. Effect if Petition is Unresolved Before Completion of Canvass. - If the
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Petition for Disqualification has not been resolved before the completion of canvass, the
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votes cast for the respondent shall be included in the counting and canvassing:
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However, if the basis for disqualification is strong, the proclamation shall be suspended
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even if the respondent is leading in the canvassing of votes.
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If the candidate has been proclaimed, his or her political dynasty relationship
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shall be ground for disqualification in an appropriate quo warranto proceeding.
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Sec. 10. Rules and Regulation. - The COMELEC shall promulgate all the rules and
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regulations necessary for the full implementation of this Act.
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Sec. 11. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive
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order, or part thereof, contrary to, or inconsistent with, the provisions of this Act is
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hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingiy.
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Sec. 12. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof is held invalid or
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unconstitutional, the remainder of the Act shall remain valid and subsisting.
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Sec. 13. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
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publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,