Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, elected speaker in September with near-unanimous support, told lawmakers on November 11 that he would prioritise legislation to finally implement the constitution’s ban on dynasties.

Political dynasties have long dominated Philippine politics, with families controlling governorships, congressional districts and city halls across much of the country – a system rooted in local patronage networks and vast family-owned business interests.

The 1987 constitution mandates a ban on dynasties but leaves the details to Congress, which has never enacted the enabling law.

But Dy’s call to “confront an issue enshrined in our constitution” received only tepid applause – and no small measure of scepticism.