The House of Representatives is poised to begin long-delayed deliberations on proposals to ban political dynasties next month, House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms Chairperson Zia Alonto Adiong said Thursday.
Adiong noted that House Speaker Bojie Dy has identified the measure as a priority, with the panel now waiting for the leadership-endorsed version.
“Isa po ito sa mga prayoridad ng leadership ng House of Representatives… I think mga siyam na versions… we’re waiting for the version that would be carried by the leadership of the House so that we can consolidate,” he said.
He stressed that Congress must finally address public concerns over entrenched political families.
“I think it’s good and healthy for us to discuss about how the public really views and defines (political dynasty)… Napapanahon na rin na pag-usapan natin,” he added.
Adiong pointed out that the Bangsamoro region already enforces its own anti-political dynasty rule, barring nominees of parliamentary political parties from being related within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity.
The pending House proposals vary widely, ranging from bans within the second to the fourth degree.
Adiong said public consultation would be central to crafting the final version: “As the chairman… I really intend to go down and get the feel and sense of the public.”
Although the 1987 Constitution prohibits political dynasties, Congress has yet to pass the enabling law needed to enforce the ban.