Dy leads push for inclusive dialogue on Anti-Political Dynasty Act

Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III on Thursday underscored his commitment to transparent and inclusive public engagement as the House of Representatives began a series of nationwide consultations on the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Act.

In a video message, Dy said the initiative reflects the House’s resolve to ensure that major and politically sensitive legislation is crafted through open, sincere, and meaningful dialogue with the Filipino people.

“Ang mga konsultasyong ito ay bahagi ng paninindigan ng Kapulungan ng mga Kinatawan na ang mahahalagang batas ay dapat binabalangkas sa pamamagitan ng bukas at tapat na pag-uusap,” Dy said.

The first consultation was conducted at the Carsigma Gym along Sugar Road in Carmona City. It was led by Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, chairperson of the House Committee on Electoral Reforms and Suffrage.

Discussions centered on several pending measures seeking to curb political dynasties, including House Bill No. 6771 authored by Dy alongside House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” A. Marcos.

The proposed bill aims to operationalize the 1987 Constitution’s provision on political dynasties by clearly defining prohibited familial relationships and setting restrictions on the holding of elective positions.

Dy noted that the measure responds to a long-standing clamor for reform, pointing out that the issue of political dynasties has remained unresolved for decades.

“Sa usapin ng panukalang batas hinggil sa political dynasty, malinaw po na matagal na itong hinihintay ng sambayanang Pilipino,” he said.

Acknowledging the diverse and sometimes conflicting perspectives surrounding the issue, the Isabela lawmaker stressed that the consultations are intended to gather insights rather than dictate conclusions.

“Alam po namin na kasama ng isyung ito ang iba’t ibang pananaw, karanasan, at saloobin. Kaya’t hindi po kami narito upang magtakda ng pasya; narito kami upang makinig,” Dy said.

He added that the House is opening the discussions to stakeholders across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, welcoming both supporters and critics of the proposal.

“Bukas ang Kapulungan sa lahat ng tinig—mula Luzon, Visayas, at Mindanao—sa mga sumusuporta, sa mga may pangamba, at sa mga nagnanais ng masusing pag-unawa sa panukalang ito,” he said.

Dy emphasized that while the House is serious about advancing the measure, its strength and legitimacy depend on genuine public participation.

“Ang malinaw po: seryoso ang Kapulungan na isulong at ipasa ang isang makatarungan, makabuluhan, at makataong Anti-Political Dynasty Bill. Gayunman, naninindigan kami na mas magiging matatag ang batas kung ito’y dadaan sa totoo at malawak na konsultasyon sa mga mamamayan,” he said.

He also appealed for respectful and constructive exchanges during the consultations.

“Sa mga darating na pag-uusap, aming hinihiling na maging bukas, mahinahon, at magalang ang ating talakayan. Makinig tayo sa isa’t isa. Unawain natin ang iba’t ibang pananaw. At sama-sama nating buuin ang batas na tunay na sumasalamin sa tinig at mithiin ng taumbayan,” Dy added.

The Speaker assured the public that the insights gathered from the consultations would be taken into account as deliberations move forward.

“Ang Kapulungan ng mga Kinatawan ay handang makinig, handang maglingkod, at handang kumilos para sa ikabubuti ng ating bayan,” he said.

Additional consultations are scheduled across the country as the House continues to solicit public input before committee deliberations resume.

During a press conference after the first public consultation in Carmona, Cavite, a Southpost PH reporter asked Rep. Adiong whether the measure could face legal challenges, citing the strong sentiments surrounding the proposal and concerns from members of political dynasties.

Adiong replied that any party is free to question the bill before the courts. However, he maintained that the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Bill is anchored on and guided by the 1987 Constitution.

He stressed that the legislation seeks to give effect to an existing constitutional mandate and has been crafted within legal parameters.