Zia Alonto Adiong, chairperson of the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms and representative of Lanao del Sur’s 1st District, defended the panel-approved version of the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Act amid criticism that the measure could legitimize political dynasties rather than curb them.
In an interview Friday, Adiong said the bill is set to be brought to the House of Representatives of the Philippines plenary for debates next week.
He emphasized that the consolidated measure marks the first serious legislative effort to enforce Section 26, Article II of the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines, which directs the State to prohibit political dynasties as defined by law.
“So if you ask me, this is a step forward. In fact, this is a trailblazer policy because we don’t have exactly an existing anti-political dynasty. This is the first time after 40 years. So it’s a positive step,” Adiong said.
“Kailangan mong tanggalin ‘yung concentration of power. That is to us the definition of a political dynasty,” he added.
Adiong stressed that the proposal directly addresses the foundations of democratic governance, particularly the people’s right to choose their leaders freely.
“That’s why I ask everyone, the authors, and those who have also withdrawn their authorship to keep an open mind because we still have more to go before the actual approval of the Anti-Political Dynasty [Act]. I’m talking about the actual plenary debates,” he said.
Earlier this week, the committee approved a substitute bill consolidating several proposals seeking to restrict political dynasties.
The version endorsed by the panel would prohibit spouses and relatives within the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity—whether legitimate, illegitimate, full, or half-blood—from simultaneously holding certain elective government positions.