The House deliberations on the filed anti-political dynasty bills in the 20th Congress represent the first step of broader democratic reforms aimed at strengthening institutions.

Thus, said Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III on Tuesday, Jan. 27 as he led the start of the discussions on the long-sought measure at the committee level.

“Tandaan po natin: simula pa lamang ito ng mas malawak na mga repormang layuning palakasin ang ating demokrasya, palawakin ang patas na pagkakataon sa paglilingkod-bayan, at ibalik ang tiwala ng taumbayan sa ating mga institusyon,” Dy said in his speech before the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms.

(Let us remember: this is only the beginning of broader reforms aimed at strengthening our democracy, expanding fair opportunities in public service, and restoring the people’s trust in our institutions.)

"It has been close to 40 years since our Constitution was ratified with a provision intended to ‘guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service and prohibit political dynasties.’ Ngunit kulang po ito ng isang enabling law—at ito po ang nais nating ipasa sa 20th Congress (But it lacks an enabling law--and this is what we want to pass in the 20th Congress)," he said.

At least 21 bills banning political dynasties in the country have been referred to the suffrage panel chaired by Lanao del Sur 1st district Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong. Adiong presided over the committee hearing Tuesday.

One of these measures is House Bill (HB) No. 6771, jointly filed by Dy and Majority Leader Ilocos Norte 1st district Rep. Sandro Marcos.

The House chief noted that the anti-political dynasty measure has been identified as a priority by President Marcos during the recent meeting of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).

Dy said the hearings are meant to gather views and examine the implications of the proposed legislation.

“Kaya po tayo nagsasagawa ng mga pagdinig na tulad nito upang marinig ang lahat ng panig, ang iba’t ibang pananaw, at ang buong saklaw ng magiging implikasyon ng panukalang batas."

(That is why we are conducting hearings like this, so we may hear all sides, different perspectives, and the full scope of the implications of the proposed law.)

The Speaker urged his fellow lawmakers to remain open-minded during the deliberations.

“Huwag po nating isara ang ating isipan. Huwag tayong magpakulong sa mga nakapirming paninindigan. Ang layunin ng pagdinig na ito ay maglinaw, magtimbang, at magpalalim ng pag-unawa upang magabayan nang wasto ang mga mambabatas sa kanilang magiging pasya,” Dy said.

(Let us not close our minds. Let us not confine ourselves to fixed positions. The purpose of this hearing is to clarify, weigh, and deepen understanding so that lawmakers may be properly guided in their decision.)

For his part, Adiong says the measure is not an indictment of political families, but "an affirmation of principles".

“This bill touches deeply rooted political structures. It raises serious constitutional questions. Madami-dami pong constitutional landmines na kailangan nating i-navigate (We must navigate a lot of constitutional landmines),” he said.

He anchored the discussions on Article II, Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution, which mandated the State to guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.

Adiong also underscored the need to harmonize the provision with other constitutional guarantees, including suffrage, due process, and equal protection.

He cited Supreme Court (SC) rulings that struck down additional qualifications for public office that infringe on these rights, and stressed that the committee would proceed “with care, humility, and rigor".