Cebu city: Speaker Faustino 'Bojie' Dy III emphasized the significance of engaging the Visayas community as the House of Representatives conducted its national consultations on the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Act in Cebu City.
According to Philippines News Agency, the regional hearings in the Visayas took place at the University of the Philippines Cebu, attracting stakeholders from across the region to discuss the long-debated reform measure. Dy, in a video message, explained that the House intentionally moved discussions outside Metro Manila to ensure the measure reflects the sentiments of the entire country, stating, "Congress now approaches you, our dear Visayans, because we value and consider your voice and feelings."
The Cebu consultation follows the initial hearings in Carmona, Cavite, and is part of a three-island cluster approach, which also includes a Mindanao leg in Cagayan de Oro City. The initiative is led by the House leadership and implemented by the Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms, chaired by Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong.
Dy, alongside House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander 'Sandro' Marcos, authored House Bill No. 6771, one of the 24 anti-political dynasty measures filed in the House. The bill seeks to implement the 1987 Constitution's policy against political dynasties by defining prohibited family relationships and setting limits on holding elective office.
Dy expressed gratitude to Cebu stakeholders for their participation, highlighting their role in shaping a law that is both constitutionally sound and grounded in lived realities. He noted that lessons from the Cavite consultation showed the depth of concern Filipinos have on this issue, with discussions marked by candid and thoughtful exchanges from differing perspectives.
He further mentioned that the discussions were honest and deeply rooted in real experiences, stating, "We heard both sides. And rather than divide us, these differing views strengthened our understanding of the complexities of the issue."
Dy reiterated that meaningful reform must reflect the collective voice of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, asserting, "The House is ready to listen and act for the betterment of the country."
Meanwhile, Adiong encouraged active participation from attendees, emphasizing the role of public involvement in crafting governance rules. He remarked, "The future is not something you wait for. It is something we build," urging for responsible participation, thoughtful debate, and principled engagement.
He stressed the importance of the participatory nature of the event, stating, "No reform will be meaningful if it is crafted without the people it is meant to serve." The consultations aim to incorporate region-specific insights to ensure the legislation is enforceable, equitable, and sensitive to local contexts.
Key topics of discussion included the scope of prohibitions, degrees of consanguinity and affinity, applicability to national and local positions, and enforcement mechanisms by the Commission on Elections.
