House completes nationwide consultations on Anti-Political Dynasty bills in Cagayan de Oro

The House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms, chaired by Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Ziaur-Rahman “Zia” Alonto Adiong, successfully conducted the third and final leg of its nationwide public consultations in Cagayan de Oro City on 20 February 2026 at the USTP Gymnasium, focusing on the 24 pending Anti-Political Dynasty bills.

The Mindanao hearing followed earlier consultations in Cavite (Luzon) and Cebu (Visayas), completing a three-island cluster approach to gather diverse regional inputs on measures aimed at prohibiting political dynasties and ensuring equal access to public service, as mandated by the 1987 Constitution.

Adiong welcomed participants, including local officials, representatives from the academe, civil society groups and citizens, emphasizing the central role of the people in shaping legislation.

“Sovereignty lies in the people. It is the people’s participation which breathes life into legislation. Today is your opportunity to partake in crafting the rules and conditions of public office,” he said in his opening remarks.

He added: “Ang inyong lingkod, ang Komite ay narito upang dinggin at ipasa ang mga batas upang maprotektahan, mapangalagaan at mapalago ang ating karapatan sa pagboto at sa representasyon.”

The committee also expressed appreciation to House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III and Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” A. Marcos for supporting the initiative.

In a video message, Dy underscored the House’s commitment to inclusive reform.

“Ngayon naman po ay lumalapit ang Kongreso sa inyo, mga mahal naming taga-Mindanao, dahil ang inyong tinig at damdamin ay aming pinahahalagahan at isinasaalang-alang,” he said, aligning with the Cagayan de Oro consultation’s focus on prioritizing Mindanao’s perspectives in crafting a fair and implementable law.

The event was hosted by the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP)–Cagayan de Oro. The committee extended its thanks to Chancellor Joey Albina, Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy, Vice Mayor Jocelyn “Bebot” Rodriguez and Rep. Atty. Lordan Suan.

Other House members in attendance included Committee Vice Chairperson Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores, Rep. Atty. Lordan Suan (1st District, Cagayan de Oro City), Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago, Rep. Rachel Marguerite B. Del Mar, Rep. Nathaniel M. Oducado, Rep. Atty. Jennifer “Karen” A. Lagbas and Rep. Yevgeny Vicente B. Emano.

Adiong closed the consultation by reinforcing the committee’s consultative approach.

“This is your opportunity to speak, and it is our duty to listen. Let us begin,” he said.

Inputs from Mindanao, along with those from Luzon and Visayas, will guide the committee’s deliberations toward a balanced anti-political dynasty measure. Speaker Dy has vowed the passage of a “fair, implementable” law, signaling strong momentum for the long-pending reform in the 20th Congress.