Carmona city: The chairman of the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms on Thursday said the anti-political dynasty law must be paired with campaign finance reforms and broader electoral changes to widen political participation.
According to Philippines News Agency, in a press conference after the first public consultation on the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Act in Carmona City, Cavite, Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong emphasized that banning dynasties is merely 'one step' toward improving the country's political system. He stressed that the anti-political dynasty bill cannot stand alone if the aim is to broaden access to political participation.
Adiong highlighted the importance of pairing the anti-dynasty bill with campaign finance reforms. He pointed out that reviewing campaign finance is essential because the disparity in resources gives undue advantage to well-funded politicians over those with fewer resources.
The necessity of reforming campaign finance rules is crucial for leveling the electoral playing field, as access to resources often determines candidacy viability. Adiong further noted that for the country to develop a more mature political system, lawmakers must revisit other laws to enhance the electoral process and overall political quality. This includes strengthening electoral education, improving civic maturity, and reinforcing the party system.
Additionally, Adiong underscored the need for Congress to consider other reform measures, including proposals under the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council. These include amendments to the Party-list Act and the proposed Anti-Turncoatism Act, all aimed at fortifying the political system.
He also advocated for revisiting and modernizing the decades-old Omnibus Election Code to update election rules and campaign financing.
The hearing in Cavite was the first of three regional consultations on 24 anti-political dynasty bills, with subsequent sessions planned in Cebu City for the Visayas leg and Cagayan de Oro City for Mindanao. These nationwide consultations were initiated by Speaker Faustino 'Bojie' Dy III, who, alongside House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander 'Sandro' Marcos, filed his own version of the anti-political dynasty bill.
