MANILA – Senior Deputy Speaker Ferdinand L. Hernandez dismissed claims that the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty bill is a “hoax,” calling the assertion inaccurate, misleading, and without basis.

In an official statement issued January 30, Hernandez said the 1987 Constitution does not define what constitutes a political dynasty but instead mandates Congress to enact a law defining it, stressing that no single legislator has the authority to impose a sole definition.

Hernandez said disagreement with a proposed definition does not invalidate a legislative measure, adding that labeling a bill illegitimate simply because it does not align with an individual’s preferred formulation reflects a misunderstanding of constitutional intent and the legislative process.

He also noted that there is no uniform or universally accepted anti-political dynasty law worldwide, as democratic systems address the concentration of political power based on their own constitutional structures and political realities. What matters, he said, is that any measure adopted is reasonable, enforceable, and consistent with constitutional guarantees.

According to Hernandez, the bill filed under the leadership of the Speaker is a good-faith effort to comply with a long-standing constitutional mandate while seeking to curb excessive concentration of political power and uphold the people’s right to choose their leaders, due process, and equal protection.

Hernandez said policy disagreements are legitimate in a democracy but warned that dismissing a serious legislative proposal through sweeping labels rather than substantive engagement does not contribute to constructive public discourse.

He added that disagreements should be addressed through the committee process and plenary deliberations, where proposals can be scrutinized, refined, and improved based on their merits.

“This measure is not about personalities. It is about faithfully and responsibly discharging Congress’ constitutional duty through serious, principled, and good-faith lawmaking,” Hernandez said.