MANILA, Philippines — House Speaker Faustino Dy III has committed to passing an anti-political dynasty law during the 20th Congress, emphasizing that the measure will be “fair, just, and implementable.”
There are currently 24 anti-dynasty bills filed in the House of Representatives. To consolidate these, the House committee on suffrage and electoral reforms, chaired by Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, is conducting nationwide regional consultations to ensure the final version reflects the “true sentiments of Filipinos.”
Key Points of the Commitment:
- Inclusive Consultations: Speaker Dy stressed that any law passed must strike a delicate balance between expanding public service opportunities for a broader range of Filipinos and respecting the people’s right to choose their leaders.
- Not Targeted at the Dutertes: Both Dy and Adiong—who are themselves members of prominent political dynasties—denied that the legislation is aimed at specific families, such as that of Vice President Sara Duterte. Adiong pointed out that the constitutional mandate against dynasties has existed for decades and most of the bills were filed before Duterte’s recent political announcements.
- Priority Legislation: The anti-dynasty measure is one of several priorities requested by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Other pending LEDAC (Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council) priority bills include the National Land Use Act, the Modernization of the Bureau of Immigration, and amendments to the 4Ps Act.
- Progress in the House: According to Ilocos Rep. Sandro Marcos, 12 of the 52 priority measures have already been approved on third and final reading, showing the chamber’s commitment to early consensus-building.
Speaker Dy acknowledged the irony of leading this charge given his family’s long-standing political history in Isabela, but he maintained that the House is “serious” about fulfilling this constitutional mandate.