MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday urged the Senate to resume deliberations on the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill following the Supreme Court’s call for Congress to “finally enact the law contemplated by the 1987 Constitution.”
In her manifestation, Hontiveros said the bill under Committee Report 33 had already gone through committee hearings and reached plenary deliberations.
“For 39 years, Congress has been unable to complete this constitutional task. We now have a bill that has already gone through committee hearings and has reached the plenary. We do not have to begin again from zero,” Hontiveros said.
“I therefore respectfully appeal to all our colleagues. Let us resume consideration of the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill,” she added.
Hontiveros said there would be disagreements but added that “this is what the legislative process is for.”
“Let us debate the definition. Let us debate the degrees of relationship. Let us debate the scope and the safeguards,” the senator said.
“But after 39 years, I hope we can finally bring those questions to a vote. The Constitution has asked Congress to define and prohibit political dynasties. Let us do our part and finish the work,” she added.
