Section 26 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides that “The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service and prohibits political dynasties…” Since 1989, there have been efforts in the Congress to pass an enabling law prohibiting political dynasties in the government. In the current 19^th Congress of the Philippines, four (4) versions of Anti-Political Dynasty Bill were pending since 2022.

The lack of political will of the past and recent regimes emanates from the fact that the composition of the legislative and executive leadership come from political dynasties themselves and passing an Anti-Dynasty Law will not serve their politi... Lire la suite

In Mindanao and elsewhere in the country, for decades, a handful of powerful families have ruled the region - hoarding power, wealth, and influence at the expense of the millions of peoples. When power stays in the hands of a few families, it deepens poverty, weakens our democracy and blocks progress for the many.

The Dimaporos in Lanao del Norte, Dutertes and Cagas in Davao areas, Yus in Zamboanga del Sur, Plazas and Pimentels in Agusan and Surigao areas, Hatamans in Basilan province, Tans in Sulu, Adiongs and Balindongs in Lanao del Sur and the Ampatuans, Midtimbangs, Masturas, Sinsuats and Mangudadatus in Maguindanao provinces are just few of the well-known political dynasties in some areas of Mindanao who have turned public service into a family business. They have maintained control over key political positions for decades, consolidating both political and economic power within their families to protect their own interests over community and people’s welfare. This leads to undervelopment and persistent poverty especially in resource-rich but economically weaker provinces.

For instance, the BARMM region although showed improvement in terms of poverty incidence from 2018 to 2023, it remains the poorest region in Mindanao with 34% of its population living below poverty line. It correlates with how it is highly dynastic in terms of the political composition of political leaders.

The monopolization of political power limits opportunities for new leaders and perpetuates unequal access to resources and development benefits across the region which often leads to corruption, favoritism, and leaders who serve only their loyal supporters and not the greater good.

Political dynasties also foster nepotism where family members are appointed or elected regardless of competence. This reliance on family connections rather than on merit leads to poor legislative productivity, delays justice, weakens governance and public service delivery.

Political dynasties also fuel socio-political conflicts and clan rivalries which can even escalate the current violence and stability in other high risk-conflict areas and undermining peace efforts and sustainable development.

We must break the chains of political dynasties if we want a future centered in the peoples’ rights and welfare, where our environment is nurtured and where every citizen has a voice, a decent livelihood, and a life full of dignity. Democracy must be for the people—not a birthright for the powerful few.

Reject political dynasties this May 12 2025 elections!

Elect candidates who do not belong to dynasty and have proven track records in the public service!
Pass the anti-dynasty law now!

Approved and Signed by the Mindanao Electoral Conference

April 15-16, 2025 at Cotabato City