Manila: House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms chairperson Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong on Wednesday stated that a study from the Socioeconomic Research Bureau (SERB) under the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department (CPBRD) of the House of Representatives confirms that the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill (House Bill No. 8389) will transform the landscape of Philippine politics and governance.
According to Philippines News Agency, Adiong shared that his panel collaborated with SERB to examine the potential impact of a measure designed to enforce the constitutional directive prohibiting political dynasties. SERB's analysis, which utilized official election data from the Commission on Elections (Comelec), focused on provincial, district, and municipal positions.
The preliminary findings from SERB indicate that 9,852 out of 17,983 local-level positions (54.8 percent) are currently held by individuals from approximately 4,239 potential dynastic families. Adiong highlighted in a news release that the committee version of the bill, which includes a second-degree consanguinity/affinity limitation, could result in the vacation of over 5,000 elective positions by members of political dynasties.
Adiong noted that the CPBRD is expected to release their comprehensive report soon, although the preliminary findings already demonstrate the approach's substantial reach and feasibility. He reiterated the importance of the 2nd-degree limit, emphasizing its implementability and significance during media briefings and public hearings.
This assessment aligns with data recently provided by the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP), as mentioned by Adiong. The LMP conducted a survey among municipal mayors from 1,493 municipalities, revealing that approximately 917 mayors (61 percent) operate in areas where they have immediate or extended family members with a history of holding elective office. The LMP also disclosed that only 39 percent of mayors are from non-dynastic backgrounds.
Adiong concluded by asserting that the data clearly refutes claims that the committee version of the bill will not have an impact, as the evidence indicates otherwise. The second-degree provision is described as striking a proper balance by being stringent enough to create opportunities for new leaders while remaining feasible.
The plenary debate for HB 8389 is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.