Marcos Pushes for 21 Priority Bills by June, Including Ban on Political Dynasties

In a bold legislative push, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has outlined an ambitious agenda targeting 21 priority bills for passage by June, signaling a comprehensive effort to address longstanding governance issues and improve quality of life across the archipelago.

The legislative package includes potentially transformative measures such as a ban on political dynasties, the abolition of the country’s travel tax, and new penalties for spreading disinformation—initiatives that analysts say reflect the administration’s attempt to rebuild eroding public trust in government institutions.

The anti-dynasty bill represents a particularly significant reform effort in a nation where family-dominated politics has been entrenched for generations. Political families have long controlled various provinces and municipalities throughout the Philippines, with power often passing between relatives across multiple generations. Critics have argued this concentration of power contributes to corruption and uneven development across the country.

“This is one of the most ambitious attempts we’ve seen to disrupt the traditional power structures that have defined Philippine politics since independence,” said Maria Santos, a political science professor at the University of the Philippines. “If passed, it could fundamentally reshape the country’s political landscape.”

The proposed elimination of the travel tax—a fee ranging from 1,620 to 2,700 pesos (approximately $30-50) imposed on Filipinos traveling abroad—aims to reduce financial burdens on overseas workers and tourists. The travel tax has long been criticized as an outdated measure that disproportionately affects middle and lower-income travelers.

Perhaps most timely is the administration’s push to penalize disinformation, coming amid growing concerns about the impact of false information on social media platforms across the country. The Philippines has experienced a surge in online misinformation in recent years, particularly during election periods, raising alarm among media watchdogs and democracy advocates.

Economic measures feature prominently in the President’s legislative priorities as well. The administration is battling persistent inflation and seeking to attract foreign investment amid regional competition for capital. The Philippine economy grew by 5.6% in 2023, below the government’s target range of 6-7%, highlighting the challenges facing policymakers.

“The Marcos administration is clearly trying to balance political reforms with economic necessities,” noted economist Ramon Reyes of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies. “They’re working against the backdrop of global economic headwinds and regional competition for investment dollars.”

The June deadline coincides with the end of the current congressional session, giving lawmakers a narrow window to deliberate on these complex measures. Political observers point out that the administration will need to build substantial coalition support to advance contentious bills like the anti-dynasty measure, which directly threatens the interests of many sitting legislators.

Vice President Sara Duterte, daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, has remained notably silent on the anti-dynasty proposal. Her family has dominated politics in Davao City for decades, exemplifying the dynastic structures the bill aims to dismantle.

Surveys indicate that Filipinos broadly support efforts to limit political dynasties and combat disinformation, though awareness of specific legislative proposals remains limited. A recent Pulse Asia poll found 68% of respondents favor restrictions on family members holding multiple offices simultaneously.

Civil society organizations have cautiously welcomed the reform agenda while expressing skepticism about implementation. “We’ve seen ambitious reform packages announced before, only to be watered down or abandoned entirely,” said Carlos Mendoza of Citizens for Democratic Governance. “The real test will be whether these bills retain their substantive impact through the legislative process.”

As June approaches, the Marcos administration faces the challenge of translating its reform rhetoric into concrete legislative achievements that can meaningfully address the complex social, economic and political challenges facing the Philippines’ 110 million citizens.