The House of Representatives is ready for bicameral talks to reconcile differences in the proposed anti-political dynasty law once senators approve their version, House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms Chairperson and Lanao del Sur Representative Zia Alonto Adiong said.
Adiong’s statement came after the Supreme Court directed Congress to enact an anti-political dynasty law “at the earliest opportunity,” 39 years after the constitutional mandate was adopted.
“On the part of the House of Representatives, naipasa na po natin ’yan,” the veteran legislator said at a press briefing.
“So naghihintay na lang po tayo ng version ng Senado at handa naman po ang House of Representatives na umupo sa bicameral conference kung matatapos po ang version ng Senado sa kanilang anti-political dynasty,” the seasoned lawmaker added.
The House approved House Bill No. 8389, or the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Act, on third and final reading on June 3 by a vote of 267-20, with seven abstentions. It was transmitted to the Senate on June 8.
The bill covers spouses and relatives within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity in specified cases involving the simultaneous or successive holding of elective office.
Principally authored by Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III and Majority Leader Sandro Marcos, the bill covers spouses and relatives within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity in specified cases involving the simultaneous or successive holding of elective office.
The Senate has also advanced Senate Bill No. 1901, which similarly covers relatives within the second degree and prohibits simultaneous and successive holding of certain elective posts, including party-list participation. It is pending on second reading.
The Supreme Court unanimously ruled that Article II, Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution imposes a mandatory duty on Congress to define and prohibit political dynasties.
“Failure to enact an enabling law for 39 years constituted grave abuse of discretion.”
The high court said the failure to enact an enabling law for 39 years constituted grave abuse of discretion.
Adiong chaired the House panel that tackled and consolidated the anti-political dynasty proposals before the measure reached the plenary.
