MANILA — Lanao del Sur Representative Zia Alonto Adiong called for the passage of a bill banning political dynasties, describing it as electoral reform “40 years in the making” and a long-overdue fulfillment of the 1987 Constitution.

“Today, we have the opportunity to make history. Today, we fulfill a long-standing constitutional mandate, 40 years in the making,” Adiong, chair of the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms, said while sponsoring House Bill No. 8389.

The measure, principally authored by Faustino Bojie G. Dy III and Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Sandro A. Marcos with 173 co-authors, seeks to implement a constitutional provision that has remained unenforced for four decades.

Adiong emphasized that the Constitution directs the State to ensure equal access to public office and prohibit political dynasties.

“Our Constitution is unequivocal in its guidance. Under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, Article II, Section 26 states that the State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law,” he said.

He noted that while Congress is tasked with defining political dynasties, the definition must respect other constitutional rights.

“Our task is not simply to write the most restrictive definition possible. Our responsibility is to craft a definition that is constitutional, workable, and capable of withstanding scrutiny here in plenary session and in the courts,” Adiong said.

Adiong highlighted that the bill balances reform with democratic principles, using Congress’ limited authority to prohibit political dynasties while protecting other constitutional rights.

The lawmaker also pointed to extensive consultations across the country, including Cavite, Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro, which gathered both support and concerns from stakeholders.

“These discussions reaffirmed an important reality. The challenge before Congress is constitutional, legal, and deeply practical,” he said.

The anti-dynasty measure is a priority reform of the House leadership and is included in the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council agenda of President Ferdinand Bongbong R. Marcos Jr..

“This bill represents a careful and deliberate step toward fulfilling that mandate,” Adiong said, urging his colleagues to support the measure.