Con-con, anti-dynasty bills filed in House

After years in the doldrums, Charter change efforts have received a new lease on life in the House of Representatives with the filing of a measure seeking the convening of a constitutional convention (con-con) to propose amendments to the 1987 Constitution.

- By DELON PORCALLA and JOSE RODEL CLAPANO

Lawmakers have also made another push for the abolition of political dynasties, with the filing of a “comprehensive” anti-dynasty bill.

Through House Bill 5870, the National Unity Party led by its chairman, deputy speaker and Antipolo Rep. Ronaldo Puno, has pushed for amendments to the Constitution through whatit calls participatory and democratic process that is representative of the Filipino people. The NUP has 43 members in the House.

The Akbayan reform bloc, for its part, yesterday filed House Bill 5905 bill defining political dynasties clearly and specifying prohibited familial relationships among candidates and elected officials.

Its authors — Akbayan Reps. Chel Diokno, Perci Cendafia, Dadah Kiram Ismula and Rep. Kaka Bag-ao of Dinagat Islands — said the measure is designed to broaden leadership, open democratic spaces and give reform-oriented leaders a fair chance to serve.

The Makabayan bloc, meanwhile, reminded the House leadership of the latter’s commitment to support anti-dynasty measures that the bloc filed at the start of the 20th Congress.

The Cha-cha bill authored by Puno and several other lawmakers mandates that a con-con be convened no later than July 15, 2026 and complete its work within one year, unless extended by law.

Any proposed amendments or revisions would be submitted to a plebiscite within 60 to 90 days after approval, in accordance with Article XVII of the Constitution.

“For nearly four decades, the 1987 Constitution has anchored our democracy. But experience has shown that ambiguities, procedural lapses and outdated provisions have created confusion and weakened institutional accountability,” the authors of HB 5870 said in its explanatory note.