Ban dynasties destroying Philippines like ‘Herod’s household’, demands cardinal

‘There are families that turn politics into business and pass it on as an inheritance, families that turn power into entitlement, and public office into private property.’

A Filipino cardinal condemned political dynasties and warned lawmakers of consequences if they fail to end dynastic politics. 

The Bishop of Kalookan Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, in a homily for the Feast of the Holy Family on 28 December, compared power-hungry dynasties to “Herod’s household”. He contrasted them with the selfless household of Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, in Nazareth.

In the Philippines, a political dynasty is a family that passes on political power from one generation to the next. Many political dynasties have ruled towns, cities, and provinces for decades, with family members often occupying public office simultaneously. This type of politics has been identified as a contributing factor to the widespread poverty in the former Spanish colony. 

“There are families that turn politics into business and pass it on as an inheritance, families that turn power into entitlement, and public office into private property,” said David.

“Political dynasties, too, are families. They protect their turf. They keep power within the clan. And like Herod’s household, they often collapse from within – siblings against siblings, parents against children, spouses against spouses – once fear and insecurity take over.”

The cardinal said that when a family like Herod’s dominates a country, “it slowly destroys the nation as well”. Lawmakers should heed “a clear majority of Filipinos” who want to end political dynasties, he said.

Based on a recent Pulse Asia survey, 54 per cent of Filipinos want Congress “immediately [to] pass a law banning political dynasties”. The same survey showed that 52 per cent of Filipinos want Congress to establish a new anti-corruption body.

“To our dear Philippine legislators: You have been elected and are being paid by the Filipino people to be their ‘representatives’. Whose interests do you represent? And why should you remain in office if you no longer represent their interests?” said David. “Please heed their voice if you still want to look forward to a happy new year.”

David, 66, is among a growing number of Filipino clergy supporting calls for a law banning political dynasties. In April 2025, four bishops and seven priests joined a Supreme Court petition to end political dynasties in the country.

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