MISLEADING: Anti-Political Dynasty Bill purges the idea of political dynasties 

Leean Alejo

LEAD: On June 3, 2026, the House of Representatives approved the third and final reading of the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill (House Bill No. 8389).

House Bill No. 8389, better known as the Anti-Political Dynasty Act, is a law designed to stop the number of powerful families from controlling politics and expand opportunities for more Filipinos to run for and hold public office. This bill was originally authored by Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III and House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos and is subject to multiple co-authors. 

CLAIM: A nationwide survey back in December 2025 showed that 54% of Filipinos wanted the immediate passage of the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill. Now that this bill has passed, Filipinos who are unaware of the Bill’s content are most likely to believe that this is “good news” for our nation and its government.

RATING: MISLEADING

CONCLUSION: The Anti-Political Dynasty, despite its supposed intention, does not entirely purge the concept of Political Dynasties. 

THE FACTS:

1. According to Atty. Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno, the law states that relatives of the 2nd degree aren’t allowed to run in the same level of government. However, they may run on different government levels, which then defeats its purpose.
2. The bill also affirms that relatives may run on the same government level but in different cities.
3. He also mentions that relatives with positions may still pass their positions once their term is finished.
4. In addition, Diokno clarifies that the bill does not involve party-list representatives.

THE BOTTOMLINE:

Contrary to the people’s beliefs, the Anti-Political Dynasty Act does not purge the idea of Political dynasties. However, it allows relatives to run through different government levels, the same government level but different cities, to pass their positions at the end of their term, and it doesn’t include party-lists. Despite its effort to disintegrate Political Dynasties, it just tries to minimize it. Hence, it doesn’t get rid of the matter.