Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday emphasized the urgent need for Congress to expedite the approval of several significant reforms, particularly the anti-political dynasty bill, along with other key legislative proposals aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in governance.
According to Philippines News Agency, in a session with the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) held at Malaca±an Palace, President Marcos instructed Congress to prioritize four specific bills. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that these bills include the Anti-Dynasty Bill, the proposed Independent People's Commission Act, the proposed Party-list System Reform Act, and the proposed Citizens Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability (CADENA) Act. The president's directive underscores his commitment to reforming the political and governance landscape of the country.
The anti-dynasty bill aims to prevent individuals from holding or running for public office if they are related up to the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity to an incumbent official, whether at the national or local level. This measure seeks to break the cycle of political dynasties, fostering a more equitable political environment.
Meanwhile, the proposed Independent People's Commission Act is designed to expand the commission's powers and enhance transparency mechanisms, enabling it to effectively combat corruption across various government sectors, not limited to infrastructure.
The proposed Party-List System Reform Act seeks to revamp the current party-list system in the Philippines, ensuring that it genuinely represents marginalized and underrepresented sectors. This includes implementing stronger safeguards and more stringent screening processes for party-list groups and their nominees.
The CADENA Act focuses on promoting transparency in government expenditures by requiring the full disclosure of all government transaction documents through a secure digital public ledger system.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto highlighted President Marcos's call for comprehensive consultations with key stakeholders to ensure the proposed measures are well-crafted and inclusive. He stressed the importance of engaging groups from all political backgrounds to contribute to the legislative process.
Recto emphasized that the president's request goes beyond merely passing the bills, advocating for thorough consultations to integrate diverse perspectives and ideas into these reform initiatives. He noted that broad consultations lead to more effective laws, reflecting the nation's collective interests.
