THE House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reform, chaired by Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto-Adiong, on Tuesday began deliberations on 20 House bills seeking to define and prohibit political dynasties.
The hearing marked a significant step toward the enactment of an enabling law that would fulfill the constitutional mandate against political dynasties and ensure equal opportunities for public service.
Alonto-Adiong said the hearings will be conducted to ensure a fair and inclusive process, emphasizing that the committee’s role is to guide the discussion and listen to all sides.
“Let me state clearly at the outset, this hearing is convened not to attack families, not to single out individuals, and not to rewrite political history,” Alonto-Adiong said.
He explained that the panel is focused on facilitating an open and balanced discussion that reflects the will of the people and the intent of the Constitution.
“We are public servants first. As chairperson of this committee, my role is not to dictate outcomes, but to shepherd this process fairly, carefully, and faithfully,” he said.
In his opening remarks at the hearing, Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III emphasized that the Filipino people have waited for so long for the enactment of an enabling law that would implement the constitutional ban on political dynasties.
“Sa panukalang anti-political dynasty bill ay matagal nang hinihintay ng sambayanang Pilipino. It has been close to 40 years since our Constitution was ratified with the provision intended to guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service and prohibit political dynasties. Ngunit kulang po ito ng isang enabling law,” Speaker Dy said.
He added that the hearings aim to gather all views and ensure lawmakers fully understand the implications of the proposal.
“Nandito po kami hindi lamang upang magsalita kundi sa lahat upang makinig. Bukas ang aming isipan at bukas din po ang aming kalooban sa makabuluhan at tapat na pag-uusap,” he stated.
Alonto-Adiong said the committee will carefully weigh the discussions as the House crafts a measure to strengthen democracy, broaden fair access to public service, and restore public trust in the House, adding that the panel will keep an open mind to clarify issues, balance competing views, and guide lawmakers toward a well-informed decision.
He also noted the committee will proceed with care, humility, and rigor, starting from fundamental principles and drawing guidance from legal luminaries, constitutional scholars, election law experts, and practitioners.
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