ILOILO — Political families in this province, Iloilo, long seen as monopolists of local power, are signaling openness to a proposed anti-political dynasty law as President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. moves to fast-track the measure amid mounting public pressure for political reform.
Vice Gov. Nathalie Ann Debuque said her family is prepared to comply should Congress pass a law limiting relatives from simultaneously holding elective posts.
But she clarified: “Indi ‘ni namon inheritance. Indi man ‘ni palangabuhian namon ang politika. We do this because we enjoy (public service).”
At present, three members of the Debuque family hold elective or ex-officio posts. Aside from Debuque, her mother Ma. Teresa is the mayor of Anilao town and her sister Amalia Victoria Debuque is a barangay captain concurrently serving as Liga ng mga Barangay provincial president and ex-officio member in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
Debuque insisted that electoral mandate, not family ties, keeps them in office.
“Kami nagabakas tungod kabaraslan na sa tawo. Daku n’i nga prebelihiyo nga duha gid kami sang utod ko nagapungko sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan pero makahambal kami nga kon ano man ang responsibilidad nga ginhatag sa amon sang probinsya sang Iloilo, ginabalusan gid namon sang maayo nga serbisyo,” she added.
The 3rd District’s Cong. Lorenz Defensor likewise expressed support for the passage of an anti-dynasty law, regardless of the versions emerging. He called for thorough deliberations.
“I will support the passage of an anti-dynasty bill,” Defensor told Panay News, adding, “let us have the deliberations so we can decide what is the most appropriate.”
Defensor, who concurrently serves as Senior Deputy Majority Leader of the 20th Congress, noted that anti-dynasty bills have been filed in past Congresses but repeatedly failed to gain approval. He acknowledged that while only he and elder brother Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. currently hold elective posts, other relatives also occupy local government positions.
The 4th District’s Cong. Ferjenel Biron said he would back anti-dynasty measures as part of the House leadership’s obligation to support the President’s priority bills.
“Since I’m part of the leadership of the House, I have to support all priority measures of PBBM including the anti-dynasty bill,” Biron said, while cautioning that lawmakers must still clearly define what constitutes a political dynasty.
Three other Biron family members hold elective posts. Biron’s son Braeden John is the mayor of Dumangas while another son, Bryant Paul, is the mayor of Barotac Nuevo. The vice mayor of Barotac Nuevo is Hernan Jr., younger brother of the congressman.
Panay News sought comments from former 5th District congressman Raul Tupas and wife, incumbent Cong. Binky Tupas, as well as former 2nd District congressman Michael Gorriceta whose wife Kathy is now the district’s congresswoman, but none have responded yet as of press time.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. declined to comment, saying he had yet to review the specific anti-dynasty proposals filed in Congress.
For her part, 1st District’s Cong. Janette Garil said the Garin clan is throwing full support behind anti-political dynasty measures, specifically those filed by House Speaker Faustino “Bodjie” Dy III and Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos.
According to Garin, the measure, though “imperfect,” is a necessary response to mounting public demand for political reform.
Garin said the renewed push for an anti-dynasty measure reflects changing political realities and growing public intolerance for perceived abuses of power, even among officials who themselves come from political families.
“Times are changing. And admittedly, abuses have happened in some aspects,” she said.
Garin’s husband Richard is the mayor of Miag-ao town.
Richard’s sister Jennifer is the mayor of adjacent Guimbal town whose vice mayor is also a sibling, Kristine who previously served as vice governor.
Last week, President Marcos directed Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Speaker Faustino Dy III to prioritize bills seeking to dismantle political dynasties, which Malacañang said have long contributed to the country’s economic and sociopolitical problems. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President urged Congress to move swiftly on the measure, alongside other reform bills, amid a broader push to restore public trust in government./PN
