CEBU — The House of Representatives of the Philippines continued its nationwide consultations on the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Law, bringing lawmakers and citizens together at the University of the Philippines Cebu to discuss the measure.

Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, who delivered the opening message for the Second Public Forum, described the gathering as a “historic public consultation” covering the 24 proposed bills pending before the Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms.

“First of all let me thank the honorable Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III for his leadership and for his commitment to ensuring that the voices of the people are heard on this measure,” Adiong said, emphasizing that the law “will influence the democratic institutions you inherit tomorrow.”

He added, “This is your opportunity to speak. It is our duty, as your representatives, to listen.”

The Cebu forum is part of Speaker Faustino Dy III’s initiative to extend deliberations beyond Congress and engage citizens in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Rizal 2nd District Rep. Jose Tanjuatco Jr. credited the Speaker and Majority Leader Sandro Marcos for initiating public consultations aimed at building consensus on political dynasty legislation.

“We need your inputs. This cannot be done only by the legislative body, but it has to be a result of consensus building,” Tanjuatco said, highlighting the importance of broad public participation in shaping meaningful reform.

Bukidnon 2nd District Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores noted that citizen engagement can directly influence congressional outcomes. “The more the people pressure or support [the measure], the more the members of Congress or members of the Senate will be compelled to pass [them],” he said.

Cebu City 1st District Rep. Rachel Marguerite del Mar welcomed the lawmakers and constituents, noting that public consultations had started in Luzon before reaching the Visayas.

“Before passing a law it’s always good for us, well for me and my family at least, to consult with our constituents. Listen to you guys. Hear what you think, if you’re for it, if you’re against it, and why. That’s why we are here. We are your voice,” Del Mar said, adding that her family has avoided overlapping candidacies to prevent concentration of political power.

Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr. explained that while the Constitution calls for a ban on political dynasties, the provision is “not self-executed,” which is why the 24 bills are under review to define its scope and implementation.

“This aims to promote democratic competition,” Garbin said, stressing that any reform must be “real, makatotohanan, pangmatagalan and something that can withstand judicial scrutiny.”

Also present during the forum were Kabataan Party-list Reps. Renee Louise M. Co and Sarah Jane I. Elago Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima, and Caloocan City 2nd District Rep. Edgar R. Erice.