• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The Anti-Political Dynasty Bill is not an attack on specific families, but a move to widen democratic space and provide more Filipinos the chance to lead, Senator Risa Hontiveros clarified during a public forum at Bacolod City yesterday.
The chairperson of the Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms and People’s Participation challenged the public to reflect on whether the Philippines is truly prepared for such a significant shift toward broader political inclusivity and participation.
“This bill is not against any family, it is about widening democratic space, it is about making sure that leadership is open to ever more Negrenses, even more Filipinos, not just a few names or few families,” Hontiveros said.
She emphasized that the bill is a crucial step toward ensuring equal political opportunity and fostering accountable leadership across the country.
The senator expressed optimism that the bill would finally pass, citing the growing public demand for a more inclusive democratic process.
It was the third public consultation, with the first one in Pasig City, and the second in Calamba, Laguna.
It was attended by Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya, Himamaylan Vice Mayor Justin Gatuslao, former representative of Magdalo Partylist Rep. Gary Alejano, University of Saint La Salle Professor Dr. Bernaldo Eres, Don Salvador Benedicto former mayor Atty. Jose Max Ortiz, President of National Union of People’s lawyer Atty. Rey Gorgonio, Partido Manggagawa of Negros Priscilla Goco, Provincial Comelec officer Atty. Jesse Juarez, and Ken Paolo Gilo from the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines.*
