MANILA, Philippines — Some lawmakers at the House of Representatives opposed on Wednesday the petition filed by a group of lawyers asking the Supreme Court to compel Congress to pass an anti-dynasty law, saying the move would limit voters’ choices.
“The [more] options we have, the better … I just don’t find it appealing, to me personally, that you would disqualify a certain individual merely on the basis of blood relation[s],” Assistant Majority Leader Zia Alonto Adiong, who represents Lanao del Sur, said during a news briefing.
“I would rather revisit the political party system in the country. Have it mature. Hold a convention where members of the party would choose the candidate based on merits, like in the United States, in Malaysia, and many other countries,” Adiong suggested.
The lawmaker’s brothers are Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr and Ditsaan-Ramain Mayor Ansaruddin Abdul Malik Adiong, also a former Lanao del Sur representative.
For Deputy Speaker David Suarez, a Quezon representative, it was more important to “focus on how we can further enhance the efficiency of programs and projects being undertaken by the agencies and the government.”
The son of former Quezon Gov. Danilo Suarez and former Quezon Rep. Aleta Suarez also said that he believed voters were capable of deciding which candidates to pick.
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“Let’s not forget, we always put ourselves through a referendum when we seek reelection. So this will be the perfect place to find out … whether or not your constituency wants you to continue to serve,” he said.
Assistant Majority Leader Francisco Paolo Ortega V told reporters he believed elections provide “a sufficient check and balance.”
“If people do not like you, they won’t vote for you. This is the era of different kinds of media … people can see if you’re really working,” he added.
But he welcomed the petition, saying that Congress was open to “dialogues and different debates.” Ortega is the son of former La Union Rep. Pablo Ortega and former San Juan Mayor Mariquita Ortega.