The leadership of the House of Representatives has committed to passing the anti-political dynasty bill before the current month concludes, marking the end of the 20th Congress’s First Regular Session.
Lanao del Sur 1st District Representative Zia Alonto Adiong, who chairs the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms, confirmed in an ambush interview that he has been instructed by House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III and House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos to resume deliberations on the measure.
“Hopefully, probably within the week. So ang iniisip ko nga baka today, baka ma-calendar today ang discussion. If not today, the latest is next week,” Adiong stated.
When questioned regarding the specific timeline for the bill’s approval, Adiong expressed confidence in meeting the deadline before the legislative break.
“Ipapasa natin ito before the sine die. Ibig sabihin before the end of this month we will pass our version here in the House,” he said.
The progress of the bill was previously stalled on March 18, the final session day before the Holy Week congressional break, due to a lengthy list of lawmakers waiting to interpellate the measure.
Adiong noted that six legislators are currently lined up to question the bill, including Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Representative Leila de Lima.
Under the Senate’s existing version, candidates related up to the second degree of consanguinity and affinity are prohibited from running simultaneously for various offices, while the restriction extends to the fourth degree for the Senate.
However, Adiong clarified that the House version—originally proposed by Dy and Marcos—is still subject to amendments before it undergoes its third and final reading, suggesting that the final provisions may still evolve.