MANILA, Philippines — The House committee on suffrage and electoral reforms is firmly committed to producing a consolidated version of the anti-political dynasty bill that is not only constitutionally sound but truly acceptable and beneficial to the people, Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Adiong said yesterday.
“There are at least 14 versions of the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Bill pending before our committee,” Adiong, chairman of the House committee on suffrage and electoral reforms, said in a statement.
“Like any other proposed legislation, the committee members will thoroughly deliberate on each of these measures during our hearings. We welcome and encourage the views, suggestions and recommendations of our colleagues in the House of Representatives so we can arrive at the best possible version for our country,” he added.
Adiong emphasized during a recent dialogue with House Speaker Faustino Dy III that the committee will bring the discussion to the grassroots level to ensure genuine public participation.
For his part, Bukidnon second district Rep. Jonathan Flores said most of the proposed anti-political dynasty bills cover only up to the second degree of consanguinity and affinity, “which means the ban covers only the parent, child, spouse, grandparent, brother or sister, grandchild, parent-in-law and son or daughter in law.”
He made the statement in an effort to explain to the public the nuances of the anti-political dynasty bills.
He also said that none of the proposed anti-political dynasty bills covered appointive positions.
Flores reminded the public to read carefully and compare word for word and line by line all the provisions of the nine pending bills in the House and five bills in the Senate.
“Watch out for strange language. Think of how each provision can be applied in real, actual situations,” Flores said.
He said it is crucial that the people let Congress know which bills and which provisions they prefer.
Flores said the bill of Sen. Bam Aquino covers up to third degree of consanguinity or affinity while the bills filed by Sen. Risa Hontiveros and Rep. Sarah Elago cover up to the fourth degree.
