MANILA – The various anti-political dynasty bills pending in the Philippine Congress in 2025 primarily diverge on the degree of kinship used to define prohibited family relationships, reflecting debates over how broadly to curb dynastic power while operationalizing the 1987 Constitution’s mandate (Article II, Section 26) to prohibit political dynasties “as may be defined by law.” This variation—ranging from second to fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity—determines the bill’s strength: narrower limits allow more family members in office, while wider ones target “fat dynasties” spanning generations and levels.
Understanding Degrees of Kinship
- Second Degree: Parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren (and spouses’ equivalents via affinity).
- Fourth Degree: Extends to aunts/uncles, nieces/nephews, first cousins, great-grandparents, great-grandchildren.
Most bills lean toward second degree restrictions, seen as more politically feasible, while progressive proposals push fourth degree for deeper reform.
Key Bills and Their Kinship Definitions
| Bill/Proponent | Kinship Degree | Key Restriction | Notes/Criticism |
|---|---|---|---|
| HB 6771 (Dy & Sandro Marcos) | Fourth | Bans simultaneous holding of same-level offices (e.g., two senators) | Called “weak” – allows multi-level dominance (president + governor + mayor) |
| Majority of 8-10 Pending Bills | Second | Limits to immediate/extended family; often successive terms | More common; criticized as insufficient for entrenched clans |
| Akbayan Bloc (e.g., HB 5905) | Fourth | Broader ban, including overlapping constituencies | Seen as stronger; pushes for no family in same province/city |
| Anti-Dynasty Network (Vico Sotto et al.) | Fourth | Comprehensive: succession, simultaneity, party-list ties | Demands citizen-driven dialogue for equity |
| Senate Versions (e.g., Hontiveros/Padilla) | Fourth (some) | Varies; often simultaneous at national/local | Aligns with broader reforms like IPC Act |
The flagship HB 6771 (filed December 10, 2025) uses fourth-degree kinship but critics like Rep. Leila de Lima and Makabayan bloc label it “inadequate” for permitting “fat dynasties” across government tiers. In contrast, minority-backed bills advocate fourth-degree with stricter overlaps to shatter entrenchment in 76 of 82 provinces.
Why the Difference Matters
- Second Degree: Feasible but allows rotation/succession (e.g., term-limited mayor succeeded by sibling).
- Fourth Degree: Disruptive to large clans but risks overreach (e.g., distant cousins barred).
President Marcos Jr.’s prioritization has sparked hope, yet self-interest among dynastic lawmakers stalls progress. As bicameral talks loom (January 2026 hearings), kinship definitions will decide if the law dismantles or merely dents dynasties.
In a graft-scarred year, this divide isn’t technical—it’s transformative, testing Congress’ will to redefine power beyond bloodlines.