Lanao del Sur 1st District Representative Zia Alonto Adiong on Wednesday expressed confidence that Congress would finally pass a law banning political dynasties before President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s term ends in 2028, citing strong backing from House leadership.
In a television interview, Adiong, chairperson of the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms, said momentum for the long-delayed measure has significantly improved.
“Alam ko maipapasa yan kasi it’s backed by the House leadership,” he said.
He acknowledged, however, that the final bill would likely be a compromise among several proposals.
“What I can tell you is it’s going to be a mix of the versions. And it would be legally sound and then constitutionally compliant. That’s what I can assure you,” Adiong said.
Adiong stressed that President Marcos’ directive to prioritize the bill would be crucial in pushing it through Congress.
He added that House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III is expected to shepherd the measure to final passage, as it is included in the priority agenda of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).
“As the Speaker has already filed his own version, definitely he wants to make sure that his bill would also reach the final stage,” he said.
The first committee hearing is set for January 27 and will focus on gathering expert legal opinions.
Adiong said former Supreme Court justices, law school deans, civil society groups, electoral reform advocates and election watchdogs would be invited.
“It’s going to be inclusive. That’s what I want to announce. I will not leave any stone unturned,” he said.
Adiong noted that discussions would center on defining political dynasties, amid differing legal views on how to implement the Constitution’s mandate without violating Supreme Court rulings on qualifications for elective office.
“I do not see that as a problem, but I see that as something that we should navigate,” he said.