Cagayan de oro: Speaker Faustino 'Bojie' Dy III has reaffirmed the commitment of the House of Representatives to pass a fair, just, and implementable anti-political dynasty law in the 20th Congress. This commitment was underscored as lawmakers brought the Mindanao leg of nationwide consultations to Cagayan de Oro City, aiming to gather public input on the proposed legislation.
According to Philippines News Agency, Speaker Dy emphasized in a video message to stakeholders at the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines that the law's objective is not merely to satisfy a constitutional mandate but to create a measure that can withstand legal scrutiny and function effectively on the ground. With 24 anti-political dynasty bills already filed in the House, including House Bill No. 6771 co-authored by Dy and House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander 'Sandro' Marcos, efforts are underway to define prohibited family relationships and set clear limits on holding elective public office.
The consultations, conducted by the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms and chaired by Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, are part of a three-island dialogue designed to gather public input. Dy stressed the importance of wide, inclusive, and sincere consultations in crafting legislation that reflects the true sentiments of Filipinos.
Following earlier hearings in Carmona City in Cavite and Cebu City, the Cagayan de Oro consultation ensures that voices from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao are equally represented before finalizing the proposed measure. Dy expressed gratitude to Cavite and Cebu residents for their active and candid participation, which highlighted the need to balance protecting the people's right to choose their leaders with expanding public service opportunities.
In his remarks, Dy emphasized the importance of capturing regional perspectives often underrepresented in national debates. He called for open, respectful, and substantive exchanges, assuring participants that the House is not only ready to listen but also to take action based on their inputs.
Rep. Adiong also welcomed participants, including local officials, academics, civil society, and citizens, underscoring the central role of the people in shaping legislation. He stated, "Sovereignty lies in the people. It is the people's participation which breathes life into legislation." He encouraged participants to seize the opportunity to contribute to the crafting of public office rules and conditions.
The inputs collected from Mindanao, along with those from Luzon and Visayas, will guide the committee's deliberations towards establishing a balanced anti-political dynasty measure.
