Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III on Monday thanked participants in the nationwide consultations on the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Bill, saying the discussions reflected both strong support and principled opposition, which are hallmarks of a functioning democracy.
The consultations, organized by the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms chaired by Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, were held in Cavite, Cebu and Cagayan de Oro, drawing students, civil society groups, local officials, professionals and ordinary citizens from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
In a video message, Dy recognized the time, effort and courage required to participate in national policy discussions, noting that meaningful reform depends on citizens who are willing to engage.
“Hindi madali ang maglaan ng oras upang makinig, magsalita, at makipag-ugnayan sa usaping mahalaga sa ating demokrasya. Ngunit pinili ninyong makilahok. Pinili ninyong magpahayag ng inyong damdamin. Pinili ninyong maging bahagi ng proseso (It is not easy to devote time to listen, speak and discuss an important democratic issue. But you chose to participate; you chose to articulate your feelings; and be part of the process),” he said.
“We may not agree on every provision. We may not see eye to eye on every detail. But the fact that we can sit down, listen to each other, and debate with respect – that is democracy in action,” Dy said.
Adiong’s committee is consolidating 24 pending anti-political dynasty bills, including House Bill No. 6771 filed by Dy and House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos, which seeks to define prohibited family relationships and set limits on holding elective office.
The House leader described the discussions as substantive and grounded in real experience.
“Sa bawat talakayan, nakita natin ang tapang at talino ng ating mga kababayan. Naging maayos, makabuluhan, at nakaugat sa tunay na karanasan ang inyong mga pananaw (In every discussion, we saw the courage and intellect of our people. Your opinions were clear, useful and rooted in real experience),” he said.
Dy said the nationwide consultations on the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Act can also serve as a model for how Congress engages the public on major legislation moving forward.
“It showed us that what we did in Cavite, Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro can serve as a model for future consultations on other bills of national importance,” Dy said, noting that consultations showed that inclusive dialogue strengthens both the law and public trust.
He stressed that the exercise marks a deliberate shift toward participatory governance, where lawmaking extends beyond the session hall and into communities across the country.
“Patuloy po tayong mag-usap. Patuloy po tayong makinig. At patuloy po tayong magtulungan para sa mas matatag na Bagong Pilipinas (We will continue to discuss and listen. And we will continue to cooperate for a stronger New Philippines),” Dy said. (PNA)