Adiong urges public participation in anti-dynasty bill consultations

Congressman Zia Alonto Adiong urged participants of the second public consultation on the proposed anti-political dynasty law to take an active role in shaping legislation that seeks to end political dynasties in the country.

Adiong, chairperson of the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms and representative of the 1st District of Lanao del Sur, delivered the call during the consultation held Thursday at the University of the Philippines Cebu Performing Arts Hall.

The event focused on 24 proposed measures aimed at defining and implementing the constitutional ban on political dynasties under Article II, Section 26 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution.

"Today, we are here to listen. You have the opportunity to help craft a key part of the rules that govern who may seek public office and under what conditions. The future is not something you wait for. It is something we build. If today’s Philippines is in loving hands then let us express that love through responsible participation, thoughtful debate, and principled engagement. Love of country requires action. This is your opportunity to speak. It is our duty, as your representatives, to listen," Adiong said in his welcome remarks.

Adiong thanked Speaker Faustino “Bodjie” Dy III for his leadership and commitment to amplifying public voices on the measure. He also expressed appreciation to UP President Angelo “Jijil” Jimenez, UP Cebu Chancellor Atty. Leo B. Malagar and the UP Cebu administration for hosting the consultation.

The hearing was attended by Committee Vice Chairperson Jonathan Keith Flores, Emigdio P. Tanjuatco III, Alfredo A. Garbin Jr., Edgar R. Erice, Leila M. De Lima, Sarah Jane I. Elago, Rachel Marguerite B. Del Mar, Renee Louise M. Co and Nathaniel M. Oducado.

The lawmaker highlighted the committee’s mandate to protect and advance the right of suffrage, including measures governing elections, plebiscites, initiatives, recall and referenda. He emphasized that "at its core, our work is about safeguarding the people’s sovereignty. Our Constitution declares that sovereignty resides in the people. That means political power begins and ends with citizens."

He said the committee had conducted two prior hearings and a public consultation in Cavite, where lawmakers examined constitutional principles, legal standards and practical implementation concerns. Inputs were gathered from scholars, constitutional experts, legal advocates and representatives of the Commission on Elections, with proposals reviewed in light of constitutional limits and governance realities.

"We have heard citizens from Luzon on their lived realities when it comes to political dynasties," he added. "But no reform will be meaningful if it is crafted without the people it is meant to serve."

Adiong underscored the participatory nature of the forum.

"In today’s public forum we are determined to listen to the voice of the people of the Visayas on the 24 Anti-Political Dynasty bills referred to the Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms for consideration and deliberation.”

The Cebu consultation, the second in a series of regional engagements, builds on the Cavite hearing and aims to incorporate region-specific insights to ensure the proposed law is enforceable, equitable and sensitive to local contexts.

Among the key issues discussed were the scope of prohibitions, including degrees of consanguinity and affinity, coverage of national and local positions, and enforcement mechanisms to be implemented by the Commission on Elections.