The House of Representatives made history on Wednesday afternoon, June 3 by giving final approval to the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Law--the measure designed to finally implement the anti-political dynasty provision written in the 1987 Constitution.

Overwhelmingly passed on third and final reading during plenary session was House Bill (HB) No. 8389, the landmark measure pushed by no less than House Speaker Isabela 6th district Rep. Faustino "Bojie" Dy III and Majority Leader Ilocos Norte 1st district Rep. Sandro Marcos.

The presiding officer, Deputy Speaker Cebu 5th district Rep. Vincent Franco "Duke" Frasco, declared the passage official after nominal voting yielded a result of 267-20-7 (yes-no-abstain).

This was the first time that such a measure hurdled the legislative chamber.

It prohibits spouses and relatives within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity from simultaneously holding or seeking elective posts within the same political jurisdiction.

Marcos said the House approval of the measure showed Congress was finally prepared to confront one of the country’s most deeply entrenched political issues--limiting the power that political families can attain through elections.

“This measure recognizes a reality in Philippine politics while also responding to a constitutional mandate that has remained pending for decades. The objective is to promote broader political participation and strengthen public trust in our democratic institutions,” the majority leader said.

“We want to encourage a political environment where leadership is determined not only by familiarity or family ties, but also by merit, competence and the confidence of the Filipino people,” Marcos added.

“This measure does not intend to target families or restrict legitimate political participation," Speaker Dy said for his part.

"It seeks to ensure that public office remains open to all Filipinos and that leadership is determined by the people’s trust, not by the concentration of power in a few clans,” noted the House leader.

The significance of the plenary action also wasn't lost on Lanao del Sur 1st district Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, chairman of the Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms that mainly crafted the necessary but highly contentious measure.

"Today marks a historic moment in our nation’s democratic journey. After years of advocacy and intense deliberation, this chamber has taken a decisive step toward fulfilling the clear mandate of the Constitution by approving the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill on third and final reading," he said.

"We must define political dynasties as the Constitution commands. However, in doing so, we must strike a careful balance—ensuring that we do not unduly impair the sovereign right of the people to choose their leaders, [or] the right of qualified citizens to offer themselves for public service," Adiong said.

He says the measure is not about restricting democracy, but about strengthening and purifying it by opening wider opportunities for genuine public service and breaking the cycle of entrenched power.

"We now call upon our counterparts in the Senate to swiftly approve this important measure. Let us send a unified and unmistakable message that Congress stands ready to deliver meaningful political reform for the Filipino people," added Adiong.

The proposed measure seeks to implement Section 26, Article II of the 1987 Constitution, which mandates the State to guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service and prohibit political dynasties “as may be defined by law".

Under the bill, prohibited dynastic arrangements would cover national and local elective positions, including the presidency, vice presidency, Senate, House of Representatives, provincial governments, cities and municipalities.

Candidates would also be required to submit sworn declarations to the Commission on Elections stating that their candidacy would not result in a prohibited political dynasty relationship.

Marcos said the measure was aimed at restoring public confidence in elections and governance by opening the political system to more Filipinos.

“A stronger democracy requires broader participation. We want more Filipinos, especially young and capable leaders from ordinary backgrounds, to believe they have a real chance to serve their communities and their country,” he said.

The measure also provides penalties for concealment, submission of falsified documents, coercion and other acts intended to circumvent the proposed prohibition.