The House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms, chaired by Lanao del Sur First District Representative Zia Alonto Adiong successfully conducted the third and final leg of its nationwide public consultations at the USTP Gymnasium in Cagayan de Oro City, focusing on the 24 pending Anti-Political Dynasty bills.
This Mindanao-focused hearing follows 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, academe representatives, civil society, and citizens, stressing the people’s central role in shaping the legislation.
“Sovereignty lies in the people.”
“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,” the veteran legislator said in his opening remarks.
“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 seasoned lawmaker added.
The committee expressed appreciation to House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III and Majority Leader Sandro Marcos for leading the initiative.
“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.”
Dy, in a video statement underscored the House’s commitment to inclusive reform, affirmed: “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.”
This outreach directly aligned with the Cagayan de Oro consultation, 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, with thanks extended to Chancellor Joey Albina, Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy, Vice Mayor Jocelyn “Bebot” Rodriguez, former CDO Representative Rufus Rodriguez and CDO 1st District Representative Lordan Suan.
Other House members in attendance included Committee Vice Chairperson Representative Jonathan Keith Flores, and Representatives Sarah Jane Elago, Rachel Marguerite Del Mar, Nathaniel Oducado, Jennifer “Karen” Lagbas, and Yevgeny Vicente Emano.
Adiong closed by reinforcing the consultative spirit: “This is your opportunity to speak, and it is our duty to listen. Let us begin.”
The inputs from Mindanao, alongside those from Luzon and Visayas, will guide the committee’s deliberations toward a balanced anti-political dynasty measure.
Dy has vowed passage of a “fair, implementable” law, signaling strong momentum for this long-pending reform in the 20th Congress.
