The leadership of the House of Representatives said it will move forward with discussions on the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Bill, a measure aimed at banning and defining political dynasties in the Philippines.
In his message during the reopening of the House session on Monday, Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III said the chamber would not back down from tackling the bill, despite it being a difficult and sensitive issue for some lawmakers.
Dy acknowledged that the proposed legislation is personal for certain members of Congress, including his own family, which he said could also be affected by the measure.
However, Dy stressed that if the House is serious about reform and ensuring fair opportunities for all, lawmakers must show courage, honesty and sincerity in the discussions ahead.
The House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms is set to begin deliberations on the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill on Tuesday. The committee will include in its discussions the bill filed by Dy himself.
The Speaker also appealed to fellow legislators to set aside partisan politics and instead embrace unity as public servants.
Dy said lawmakers should devote their strength, time and abilities toward improving public service and passing laws that will have real impact beyond written proposals.
The House leadership’s push to advance the measure signals renewed attention on long-standing calls for reforms in the country’s political system.
The deliberations are expected to focus on how political dynasties will be defined under the law and how restrictions would be implemented if the bill advances further in Congress.
Dy reiterated that the House must confront the issue directly if it hopes to deliver meaningful reforms that can be felt by the public, rather than remaining only on paper.
