Philippines Congress Under Fire for 39-Year Delay on Anti-Dynasty Law

CALOOCAN City 2nd District Rep. Edgar Erice on Monday urged his colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass an anti-political dynasty law, following an August Supreme Court ruling that Congress has a mandatory constitutional duty to enact such legislation. The Court said Congress's failure to do so for 39 years constituted grave abuse of discretion and directed lawmakers to act with utmost urgency.

In a privilege speech late last week, Erice criticized Congress for keeping Filipinos waiting for nearly four decades to fulfill a constitutional mandate. He cited Article II, Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution, which requires the State to guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law. Erice acknowledged the difficulty: "The Constitution asked Congress to make a law that may limit our own families, our own political machinery, our own power." He added, "It is easy to become or play a reformist when the ones affected are your opponents. But the real test of delicadeza is this: When the Constitution tells you to reduce your own power, will you obey?" The House has already passed House Bill 8389, or the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Act, on third and final reading, and transmitted it to the Senate on June 8. Senate Bill 1901 is pending on second reading. The House version covers spouses and relatives within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity in specified circumstances involving simultaneous or successive holding of elective office.

Erice also called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to push for the enactment of the law. The measure's fate now rests with the Senate, where it must pass before the President can sign it. If enacted, the law would mark a historic step in curbing the political dynasties that have long dominated Philippine politics. However, its passage remains uncertain given that many lawmakers themselves come from powerful political families. The Supreme Court's ruling adds pressure on Congress to act, and the public will be watching closely whether lawmakers will heed the call to reduce their own power.