House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III and Majority Leader Sandro Marcos — both members of entrenched political clans — have filed a bill seeking to prohibit political dynasties, a long-unfulfilled mandate of the 1987 Constitution.

House Bill 6771 disqualifies spouses, siblings, and relatives within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity of an incumbent elective official from holding or running for certain posts at the same time. The measure applies to national, provincial, city, municipal, and barangay positions, with prohibitions tailored to each level to prevent overlapping family control.

If enacted, the ban will take effect starting the next election.

In their explanatory note, Dy and Marcos said political dynasties remain “a pervasive feature of Philippine politics” due to Congress’ decades-long failure to pass an enabling law. The bill, they said, is a “faithful execution” of the Constitution’s directive that the State must prohibit political dynasties and ensure equal access to public service.

The measure also requires candidates to submit a sworn statement to the Commission on Elections affirming they have no political dynasty relationship with an incumbent official.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who urged Congress this week to prioritize an anti-dynasty bill, belongs to one of the country’s most prominent political families. His son Sandro is House majority leader, his sister Imee is a senator, and his cousin Matthew Manotoc is Ilocos Norte vice governor. Dy likewise has several relatives in public office, including his son, nephews, and other family members in Isabela.

The filing comes as other lawmakers push alternative proposals, including a version limiting families to two members in office. Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice warned that passing a full ban remains difficult in a Congress where up to 80 percent of members are linked to political dynasties.

The House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms aims to begin hearings on anti-dynasty bills by January.