Retired military, police call for real anti-dynasty law

June 4, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Some 115 retired military and police officials are calling on Congress to pass a “genuine” law against political dynasties instead of what some refer to as a toned-down version that is being discussed in the House of Representatives.

Former uniformed personnel, including police brigadier general and now Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Medal of Valor awardee Col. Ariel Querubin, have signed a manifesto declaring support “to the People’s Initiative to pass a Genuine Anti-Dynasty Law.”

The manifesto said the measure must have four salient features or provisions that put clear and stricter limits or restrictions.

“One, there should only be one for national and one for local in each political family. Two, the prohibition per family is up to the fourth degree,” signatories said.

“Three, no succession, replacement or switching of positions. Four, a cooling-off period of one term after reaching term limits,” they added.

Signatories said an anti-dynasty law “will change the quality of the members of Congress” and if that happens, “our national budget will be better prepared” and “our national infrastructure projects will be better planned and implemented.”

“If only one per political family will be allowed in the local level, no political dynasty will ever control any local government unit. Every LGU budget will be better prepared. Local infrastructure projects will be better planned and implemented,” they said.

“Politics will stop being a family business in the country. Overall, there will be better meritocracy, better transparency, better accountability, better good governance,” the manifesto read.

Signatories include members of the Alyansa ng Nagkakaisang Mamamayan, Retired Military and Uniformed Personnel for United PH and Advocates for National Interest.

Promotions delayed

Meanwhile, the impasse at the Senate has delayed the Commission on Appointments (CA) hearings on the promotions of at least five military generals.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said some of the affected ranking officials were recently appointed or designated to their current posts.

Padilla gave assurance that despite the delayed confirmation, AFP operations will not be hampered.

“We acknowledge the concern regarding the pending confirmations of several senior military officers. However, the AFP maintains its institutional position of non-interference in the proceedings of the CA, recognizing that this is part of the checks and balances designed under our democratic system,” she said.