MANILA, Philippines — Several members of the House of Representatives on Friday rejected claims that pending anti-political dynasty bills target specific families, including that of Vice President Sara Duterte, saying the proposed measure would primarily affect incumbent lawmakers.
Speaking after a public consultation by the House committee on suffrage and electoral reforms in Cagayan de Oro City, Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said the push for an anti-dynasty law stems from a constitutional mandate, not from any individual’s political plans.
Adiong cited Article II, Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution, which directs the state to prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law. He said discussions on electoral reform do not revolve around any particular candidate and are not connected to Duterte, who announced Wednesday that she intends to run for president in 2028.
Adiong said lawmakers began deliberating on anti-political dynasty proposals without knowledge of Duterte’s timeline for announcing her presidential bid. Several related bills were filed in July at the start of the 20th Congress.
Calls to pass the measure intensified after House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III said in November that the chamber would prioritize the bills when session resumed. Dy acknowledged that his own family is considered a political dynasty in Isabela but urged lawmakers to support the proposal, saying it aims to broaden participation in public office.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also asked Congress to prioritize the anti-dynasty measure along with three other political reform proposals. In December 2025, Dy and House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos filed House Bill No. 6771.
Adiong urged critics not to undermine the legislative process by portraying the measure as directed at a single candidate.