Doc Marly Welcomes President’s Call to Fast-Track Anti-Political Dynasty Bill

Daphne Santuyo

IPIL, ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY - Zamboanga Sibugay Second District Rep. Doc Marly Hofer-Hasim expressed support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s renewed call to prioritize the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill, saying the measure could strengthen democratic institutions if crafted carefully and implemented fairly.

In a statement, Hofer-Hasim emphasized the importance of building government systems based on competence, fairness, and public accountability.

“We support a merit-based bureaucracy grounded in transparency and accountability. I welcome the President’s call to prioritize the bill. Our focus is to help shape a version that respects democratic choice and improves political competition,” she said.

The proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Bill seeks to prohibit elected officials from occupying overlapping or successive positions within the same locality—a reform long debated in Congress but rarely advanced due to strong pushback from family-controlled political blocs.

Hofer-Hasim said the measure should be crafted in a way that balances reform with the public’s right to choose their leaders freely. She added that any version of the bill must ensure that it does not inadvertently limit representation in communities where political participation is still developing.

Many residents of Zamboanga Sibugay are closely watching for statements from the province’s two congressional representatives, especially from Doc Marly Hofer-Hasim, believing that lawmakers who come from influential political families seldom express support for measures that could challenge long-standing power structures.

Meanwhile, House leaders have yet to confirm when committee deliberations on the bill will resume, though Malacañang has signaled that it considers the measure “essential” to broader political reforms.

Hofer-Hasim said she is prepared to take part in technical working groups once discussions begin, stressing that the goal is not to target families but to uplift governance standards across all levels of public service.

The Anti-Political Dynasty Bill remains one of the most-watched reform initiatives in the current Congress, with advocates hoping that renewed executive backing could finally push it toward passage.

As of press time, the statement of 1st District Rep. Atty. Marlo Bancoro has yet to be released.