Mayor Magalong in frontline of campaign against Anti-Political Dynasty Bill

Says it is an ‘indecent proposal’ by lawmakers

On Jul 19, 2026

BAGUIO City Mayor Benjamin Magalong with other city officials during the commemoration of the July 10, 1990 earthquake that devastated Baguio City. Magalong is now in the forefront of the campaign calling on Filipinos to reject the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill (photo from Mayor Magalong FB page).

BAGUIO City Mayor Benjamin ‘Benjie’ Magalong is spearheading a national campaign for the public to reject HB 8389 or the ‘Anti-Political Dynasty Bill’ that he described as an “indecent” proposal that would still benefit long-entrenched political families in the country’s body politic.

“I find it indecent,” Magalong told Pinoy Exposé during a brief talk in Manila.

Baguio youth are actively behind Mayor Magalong’s campaign against the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill passed by Congress last month (photo from Mayor Magalong FB page).

HB 8389, which is principally authored by Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III and House Majority Leader Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos, the son of the President, and co-authored by 155 other lawmakers, was only introduced last March.

It swiftly passed the legislative mill and was passed on third reading last June 3.

Its supporters said the proposal is to finally put in place the ban on political dynasty prescribed under the 1987 Constitution.

What the proposal actually reveals

The final version of the bill passed by Congress limited members of a political family from running in an election for the same or more positions—from the President downwards– to the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity (siblings, grandparents and grandchildren).

Except for national positions, the measure is “geographical” in application— it would only apply to elective positions covering the same congressional district, city, or municipality. This allows members of a political family to run in any elective position in another congressional district, city, or municipality, within the same province.

As the proposal is limited to only the second degree, it allows cousins, nieces and nephews (third degree) and first cousins (fourth degree) to contest any local and congressional positions with members of their families in their localities.

Magalong’s campaign called for the rejection of HB 8389 as presently worded. The statement he released insisted the limitation should be up to the fourth degree of consanguinity.

He also noted that HB 8389 is silent on partylist groups and of high-ranking executive officials running for public office.

Petitioners signing up in support of the manifesto rejecting the Anti-Political Bill (photo from Mayor Magalong FB page).

“We stand because political dynasties weaken democratic competition, limit opportunities for new leaders, and contribute to the concentration of political and economic power in the hands of the few,” part of the statement reads.

“We reject HB 8389 because it legitimizes political dynasties instead of genuinely blocking them.”

The movement Magalong started instead proposed for the “strengthening” of the country’s electoral system and for relevant institutions “to provide avenues for deliberative democracy and participatory governance.”

Known for his personal integrity, Magalong assured he would not be fielding any member of his family in the 2028 elections as he reached his 3-terms limit after being re-elected for the third time during the 2025 midterm elections.

He also expressed elation that most of those supporting the campaign are from the younger generation who have organized a national petition campaign and public events to stir national awareness on the deceptive nature of HB 3839.