Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

The House committee on suffrage and electoral reforms will hold its initial deliberations on the anti-political dynasty bills by the third week of January, following President Marcos Jr.’s directive to prioritize these measures to restore public trust in government.

In a press conference, committee chair and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said he was also waiting for Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III or Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos to file their own version of the anti-political dynasty bill.

‘As far as the House is concerned, it’s not just a matter of support because there are currently 11 versions referred to my committee and normally (such a bill) would trigger debates.but in this case, we’re anticipating that the minority and majority share the same goal,’ he told reporters.

‘So in terms of having it pass the hurdles, legislative mills of these two legislations, I don’t see any reason for there to be a problem. I think the House of Representatives can pass this bill,’ he added.

Manila Rep. Ernesto Dionisio Jr. echoed the sentiment, saying that Mr. Marcos’ public support for the bill ‘sends a very strong signal that Malacañang is really pushing for this. It’s definitely going to be a huge influence on the House that the President supports this.’

Before Mr. Marcos, Dy himself told the chamber last month to prioritize the passage of the long-overdue measure that seeks to set clear limits on political dynasties.

The majority of the 11 measures-mostly filed by House minority lawmakers-now pending before the 20th Congress aim to ban relatives up to the second degree of consanguinity or affinity to an incumbent elective official from holding or running for any elective office, whether national or local, unless the incumbent official is ending his or her term within the same election year.

However, at least two versions of the bill-filed by the Akbayan and Makabayan blocs, respectively-seek a higher bar of the fourth degree.

Because of this, Adiong said he plans to hold public consultations ‘because we need the public to know and understand (what these measures are) and what is acceptable to them.’

‘This bill would not only change the political landscape, but it would also limit the choices of people who elect their leaders, so it would definitely have a bearing, effect, in every election,’ Adiong said. ‘So we need to go to the grassroots level.’

Apart from the anti-political dynasty and party-list reform bills, Mr. Marcos also wants prioritized measures strengthening the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, now investigating anomalous infrastructure projects, and the CADENA Act, which aims to put the budget process on the blockchain.

Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) is bringing down its rates by P0.3557 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in December due to lower generation and transmission charges.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, the power distributor said the adjustment brings the overall electricity rate for a typical household to P13.1145 per kWh this month, down from P13.4702 per kWh in November.

For customers consuming 200 kWh, this translates to a decrease of around P71 in their monthly bill.

‘With the holiday season approaching, we hope this rate adjustment gives much-needed relief for our customers,’ Meralco vice president and corporate communications head Joe Zaldarriaga said.

The power distributor said this month’s rollback was driven primarily by lower transmission and generation charges, which account for the bulk of consumer electricity bills.

Transmission charges declined by P0.1462 per kWh due to lower ancillary service costs from the reserve market of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines.

On the other hand, the generation charge dropped by P0.1358 per kWh following reduced rates from independent power producers (IPPs).

Dollar-denominated

Meralco said that IPP charges fell by P0.2127 per kWh due to declining natural gas prices, better plant dispatch, and the peso’s appreciation-an important factor as 99 percent of IPP costs are dollar-denominated.

However, increases were recorded in charges from power supply agreements (PSAs) and the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM).

PSA rates rose by P0.0706 per kWh, an uptick Meralco attributed to the scheduled maintenance shutdown of San Buenaventura Power Ltd. Co. from Oct. 27 to Nov. 25.

WESM charges likewise inched higher by P0.8086 per kWh due to smaller downward adjustments in spot market settlements despite lower demand in November.

For the period, IPPs supplied 21 percent, PSAs 73 percent, and WESM 6 percent of Meralco’s total energy requirement.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. should certify as urgent several reform bills that he identified as priority legislation if he is serious about the anti-corruption drive, several House of Representatives lawmakers said.

Akbayan party-list Rep. Percival Cendaña, in a Facebook post on Wednesday, said that without the certification from Marcos on the proposed Anti-Dynasty Bill, Independent People’s Commission Act, Party-list System Reform Act, and the Citizens Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability Act, it would look like the administration is just ‘trying to save face.’

Cendaña said this after Palace press officer and Undersecretary Claire Castro on Tuesday said that Marcos has directed Congress to prioritize the passage of the four bills.

‘The politician under pressure will cling to promised reforms. The Palace’s support for these reforms seem more like they’re only trying to save face,’ Cendaña said.

‘The President should show his sincerity. It is not enough that he only prioritizes it. He should certify these bills as urgent ASAP!’ he added.

Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima said that Marcos’ pronouncements are a welcome development, but they are disappointed that the bills were not certified as urgent – especially the bill institutionalizing the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill.

‘While we welcome the pronouncement from President Marcos Jr. about certain measures that he thinks Congress should prioritize, we remain disappointed that the proposed IPC/ICAIC Bill and Anti-Political Dynasty Bill were NOT certified as urgent,’ de Lima said on Tuesday.

‘Certify as urgent’

‘It’s as if the order of the people was to certify it as urgent, but what was provided to us was a PR that the bills are considered priority,’ she added.

If Marcos is really intent on prioritizing the bills, de Lima said it should have come with a certification on the measures’ urgency.

‘If it is true that he wants these prioritized, why not see it to the end and make it true? Even if we sound like broken records, we would not get tired of asking the President to certify these as urgent, and for our colleagues to swiftly pass these measures,’ she said.

‘Time is of the essence. With this massive corruption scheme and the apparent connivance to steal public funds, we cannot be too relaxed or so slow in passing laws that would hold the corrupt accountable, initiate the return of stolen wealth, and ensure that this would not happen again,’ she added.

Under the current budget process, bills have to be deliberated by their respective committees, which will then release a committee report containing the updated version of the measure. This will then be referred to the House plenary, where the bill will be discussed again, before being up for consideration on second reading.

In case the bill is approved on second reading, the Constitution requires three days to pass before the same measure is considered for third reading. However, if a President certifies as urgent a bill, Congress can legally circumvent the three-day requirement and approve a proposal on second and third reading on the same day.

Regarding an anti-political dynasty bill, calls for Congress to pass the bill started after several lawmakers filed bills at the start of the 20th Congress. Last July, Bukidnon 2nd District Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores – despite being part of a political family – also filed a similar bill as he believes it is time for Congress to pass a measure that defines and bans political dynasties.

Flores said last July 4 that he filed the bill banning immediate relatives from succeeding an incumbent elected official even if it was against his own interests, in order to level the playing field.

Talks gained traction after Dy, when Congress’ session resumed last November, said the House will focus on other topics – including a possible Anti-Political Dynasty Bill.

Dy admitted that his statements may be met with raised eyebrows, as his family has been considered a dynasty in their home province of Isabela.

Meanwhile, de Lima has been calling on the House leadership to deliberate and finalize two key measures – opening the bicameral conference committee hearing on the 2026 national budget, and House Bill No. 4453 which seeks to create the Independent Commission Against Infrastructure Corruption (ICAIC).

The ICAIC bill seeks to institutionalize the ICI which is currently investigating the infrastructure corruption scheme. However, HB No. 4453 differs from the ICI in the sense that it would grant the independent body more powers like the ability to issue subpoenas on personalities and documents, and cite uncooperative witnesses for contempt.

According to de Lima, the two proposed measures involved are of high significance since both the House and Senate will soon meet for the bicam on the 2026 budget, while the ICI’s fate hangs in limbo. /mr

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday directed Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Speaker Faustino Dy III to prioritize bills seeking to end political dynasties that have held sway for decades and are blamed for most of the country’s economic and sociopolitical ills.

The president also identified the Party List System Reform Act, the Independent People’s Commission Act, and the Citizens Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability (Cadena) for inclusion in the list of priority bills in Congress.

Marcos, who is facing the biggest crisis yet of his administration stemming from the public works corruption scandal, asked Sotto and Dy to ‘take a closer look at the four bills and prioritize their passage as soon as possible,’ Palace press officer Claire Castro said, without providing other details.

The President sat down with congressional leaders, including Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri and his son, Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos, during a meeting of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac) in Malacañang on Tuesday morning.

The President himself belongs to one of the country’s so-called fat dynasties, the type that has several members of a clan holding elective positions simultaneously.

Apart from son Sandro, his clan members in politics include his sister, Sen. Imee Marcos; first cousin, former Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez; cousin-in-law, Tingog party list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez; nephew, Tingog party list Rep. Julian Andrew; first cousin, Ilocos Rep. Angelo Marcos Barba; and cousin-in-law, Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco.

Dynasts’ role in scandals

The others are Marcos’ nephew, Ilocos Norte Gov. Matthew Joseph Manotoc; cousin-in-law, Ilocos Norte Vice Gov. Cecilia Araneta-Marcos; cousin, Laoag City Mayor Michael Edward Keon; and cousin Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez.

Sotto and Dy are dynasts themselves, with family members and relatives elected either as a congressman, mayor, vice mayor, or councilor.

‘If you look at those involved in the corruption scandals, either they are part of a political dynasty or they are related to a political dynasty,’ Akbayan Rep. Percival Cendaña said at a human rights forum, articulating the reason for the ban on dynasties.

While this may not be the ‘ultimate solution to corruption,’ the ban is an important first step to accountability and good governance, he said.

Cendaña, Akbayan party list colleagues Chel Diokno and Dadah Kiram Ismula, and Dinagat Rep. Arlene ‘Kaka’ Bag-ao are the principal authors of House Bill No. 5905 seeking to ban political dynasties. It is pending at the committee level as of Nov. 18.

It was filed a day after Dy urged the lower chamber to take up the antidynasty bill to help restore public trust in government. Dy came under scrutiny after his statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth showed he has 16 relatives in various government posts.

Hollow unless marked urgent

If passed, it would bar any person related within the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity to an incumbent elective official from holding or running for any elective office, whether national or local, unless the incumbent official is ending his or her term within the same election year.

Mamamayang Liberal party list Rep. Leila de Lima said Marcos’ directive still rang hollow at this point, since if he did not certify the bills as urgent, it would send a stronger message to Congress to speed up the bills’ approval on second and third reading.

Congress is set to adjourn for the holidays on Dec. 20 and will resume sessions on Jan. 19, 2026.

‘It seems like the people’s order is to certify these as urgent, but what was presented to us are PR priority bills,’ De Lima said.

Cendaña agreed: ‘A cornered politician will cling to the promise of reform. The President should show his sincerity. Simply ‘prioritizing’ these bills is not enough. He should certify these bills as urgent ASAP!’

Lame-duck president

ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio, Gabriela Rep. Sarah Elago, and Kabataan Rep. Renee Co said that while they were prepared to work on the measures, ‘failure to pass these long overdue legislation, despite the President’s apparent push, will affirm Marcos’ status as a lame-duck president going into his final years in office.’

Antipolitical dynasty bills in the Senate have also yet to gain traction.

Political dynasties are banned under Section 26, Article II of the 1987 Constitution, but Congress has yet to pass an enabling law to enforce it.

Antidynasty measures have been filed in nearly every Congress but have never advanced. Most members come from political dynasties.

Ranjit Singh Rye, a political science professor at the University of the Philippines Diliman, said any push for major reforms in the second half of the administration might be seen as a ‘deodorizer’ ahead of the 2028 presidential elections.

‘But this move enables the administration to craft a narrative of good governance, responsiveness, and reform-oriented leadership at a time when succession politics are beginning to intensify,’ he told the Inquirer.

‘Even if the bills face legislative resistance, the very act of championing them already allows the President and his allies to position themselves as advocates of political modernization and institutional strengthening,’ he added.

But whether Marcos’ move becomes mere ‘political fragrance or substantive reform’ depends on whether the President’s allies in Congress would match his political will, Rye said.

‘The power to transform these proposals into genuine reform-or reduce them to mere political symbolism-lies squarely in the hands of lawmakers. What happens next will determine whether this moment becomes a breakthrough or another missed opportunity in our long struggle for political modernization,’ he added. -With reports from Kathleeen de Villa, Luisa Cabato, Krixia Subingsubing, Dempsey Reyes, and Inquirer Research /abc

The chase is on for Team Philippines to collect as many golds as possible in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games on Wednesday.

Following the formal opening rites at Rajamangala Stadium here, attention turns to which Filipino athlete can deliver the first golden moment of this biennial meet.

That breakthrough could come from far-off Chonburi, about two hours from the Thai capital, where mountain biker John Derick Farr competes in the men’s downhill event at Khao Kheow Open Zoo.

The Las Piñas City rider struck gold on home soil during the 2019 Games in Laurel, Batangas, but settled for bronze three years ago at the pandemic-delayed 2021 edition in Hanoi, Vietnam.

‘Bilog po ang gulong (a Filipino phrase that means anything can happen),’ Farr said, noting that his chance at redemption will depend on track conditions and how sharp he feels once the race begins.

Female rider Lea Denise Belgira, also a gold medalist in 2019, will chase another title in the women’s division after Farr’s run.

Farr and Belgira joined Tuesday’s seeding run, giving both a chance to assess the course.

Most of the events are being held in the Thai capital, where jiujitsu and poomsae could also yield early medals for the Philippines.

Fourth gold

Boxing and 3×3 basketball-two of the most anticipated fronts for the Filipino delegation-also kick off their quest. Ian Clark Bautista starts his bid for a fourth gold in the men’s 57-kilogram division against hometown bet Sukthet Sarawut in boxing, while the Gilas Pilipinas men’s and women’s teams each play two games as they hunt for the 3×3 gold.

The Games officially opened on Tuesday at Rajamangala Stadium, with tennis sensation Alex Eala and Alas Pilipinas men’s volleyball standout Bryan Bagunas serving as flag-bearers.

Some competitions were already underway before the opener, including men’s baseball, where the Philippines crushed Vietnam, 21-1, in seven innings at Queen Sirikit Baseball Stadium in Pathum Thani.

The victory primed the Filipino batters for a crucial showdown with host Thailand on the penultimate day of the eliminations. Both teams carry 4-0 records after the Thais rallied to beat Singapore, 6-4.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is satisfied with the effectiveness of his current Cabinet secretaries, who he believes continue to work diligently despite recent natural disasters and corruption controversies in government, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said on Wednesday.

These remarks came after Castro was asked about Marcos’ thoughts on the performance of his Cabinet this year, despite resignations linked to alleged corruption in flood control projects.

‘At present, the President sees that his Cabinet Secretaries are working. We have witnessed successive disasters and storms, yet they are still there, continuing to assist our fellow citizens,’ Castro said, speaking Filipino.

‘So, our President is satisfied with all of his Cabinet Secretaries, and as long as they remain in their positions, the President continues to have confidence in them,’ she added in Filipino.

The Palace official also denied circulating reports that Education Secretary Sonny Angara and Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda would be removed from their posts.

‘This is denied because just yesterday, they were with us at the Ledac (Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council) meeting, and they also presented their projects during a private meeting with the President,’ she said in a mix of Filipino and English.

Marcos’ Cabinet experienced a major shake-up this year. In May, he requested the courtesy resignations of all Cabinet secretaries to recalibrate his administration following the results of the recent elections.

This was followed by several resignations related to corruption issues plaguing the government. Among the most recent to step down were former Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and former Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, who were both implicated in the flood control controversy. /jpv

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wants to stop the abuse of power and strengthen Filipinos’ rights to choose their leaders, which is why he has ordered the immediate passage of the anti-dynasty bill, according to Palace press officer Claire Castro.

At a briefing on Wednesday, Castro was asked what prompted the President to change his stance on political dynasties.

This came after then-presidential aspirant Marcos defended political dynasties, saying politics is all about performance.

‘Why would you make political dynasty illegal? Paano kung ‘yon ang gusto ng tao? The perception is political dynasty is bad, which is not the case,’ he said in a One News interview.

‘You are targeting a very specific group in society. Politics is all about performance. If you’re worried about dynasties then take everybody to an election,’ he added.

But in Wednesday’s briefing, Castro pointed to the evolving political landscape as the reason for Marcos’ change of heart.

‘The political landscape is changing, many are abusing their power, and the President is right – the power to vote is in the hands of the people. But because of this, some have taken advantage,’ the Palace official said.

‘The President wants to let the people know that you have a choice – one based on merit, not just because you share the same surname,’ she added.

Marcos also wants the public to choose leaders not based on their clans, but because they are capable of leading, Castro said.

In a statement on Tuesday, Castro announced Marcos’ order for Congress to prioritize the passage of the Anti-Dynasty Bill, the Independent People’s Commission Act, the Party-list System Reform Act, and the Citizens Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability or the CADENA Act.

Marcos himself comes from a political clan. His father and namesake, Ferdinand Marcos Sr., was the longest-serving president of the Philippines.

His son, Sandro Marcos, is currently serving as the representative of Ilocos Norte, while his sister, Sen. Imee Marcos, holds a seat in the upper chamber.

Marcos’ cousin, Martin Romualdez, also took the helm of the House speakership before he resigned due to issues of corruption related to flood control projects. /das

A total of 1,198 out of 1,553 applicants passed the December 2025 Physical Therapists Licensure Examination, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced on Wednesday.

Topping the exam was Carmela Danielle Baldomero Alapide of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila with a score of 90.30 percent.

Securing the second spot was Janna Crystal Teh Koa of the University of Santo Tomas with 90.20 percent, followed by Gezellyne Bacting Apostol of Saint Paul University-Iloilo (90.15 percent), Cristan Jhay Oliva Luzaran of Emilio Aguinaldo College-Manila (89.95 percent), and Jillian Evonne Chuajoy Sy of the University of Santo Tomas (89.90 percent).

Results of the exam can be accessed on the PRC website or through this link.

One examinee’s result was withheld pending the final determination of liabilities under licensure exam rules and regulations.

Successful applicants may begin securing appointments on the PRC’s website for the issuance of their Professional Identification Cards and Certificates of Registration on January 19, 2026. Those registering are required to bring:

Downloaded, duly accomplished Oath Form

Notice of admission (for identification only)

Two passport-sized photos (colored, white background, complete name tag)

Two sets of documentary stamps

One short brown envelope

PRC added that the date and venue for the oathtaking ceremony of the new successful examinees will be announced later

Poomsae produced one silver and two bronzes in the aftermath of Justin Kobe Macario’s golden feat in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games on Wednesday here.

Rodolfo Reyes, King Nash Alcairo and Ian Corton took silver in the men’s recognized poomsae after bowing to Indonesia in the final at Fashion Island Shopping Mall.

Reyes, Alcairo and Corton came up with 8.530 points, but Indonesia prevailed with 8.710.

Patrick King Perez and Jocel Lyn Ninobla claimed the bronze in the mixed pair recognized poomsae event.

Perez and Ninobla reached the semifinals but fell short against Singapore.

Hours after winning gold in the men’s individual freestyle, Macario teamed up with Darius Venerable, Jeus Gabriel Derick Yape, Juvenile Faye Crisostomo and Janna Dominique Oliva in the mixed team event.

The group got 7.580 points behind gold medalist Vietnam, which notched 8.060, and silver medalist Myanmar at 7.940.

It was the second straight time that Macario got bronze in the same event when he was teammates with Crisostomo, Venerable and his current coach Jeordan Dominguez.

Taekwondo action resumes Thursday at the same venue.

The Philippines’ Cyrille Payumo drew inspiration from an unlikely creature for her preliminary evening gown at the 2025 Miss Charm pageant in Vietnam – the ant.

Designer Mikee Chan shared a story about how an ant bit the beauty queen while they were discussing her competition wardrobe, and this sparked an idea.

‘It was such a small creature, almost laughable, yet in that instant, it felt like a message whispered by the universe. A sign. A nudge. Perhaps even a divine reminder that greatness rises from the smallest of things,’ the couturier said.

Sharing that in many cultures, including Filipino and Vietnamese, the insect represents strength, hard work, and unity, Chan said the gown was ‘stitched with meaning, carried with pride, and crafted with the strength of a thousand tiny steps.’

The result is an earth-toned gown in a sexy silhouette with a sweetheart neckline and thigh-high slit, covered with ant-shaped embellishments arranged in patterns that mimic the insects’ familiar queue. Two flowy capes finished the look.

Payumo showcased the creation at the preliminary competition held in Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday evening, Dec. 9, where the delegates also paraded in their national costumes.

She appeared in a costume inspired by the traditional Filipino hat ‘salakot,’ and designed by Simeon Cayetano. ‘A symbol of dignity, resilience, and the hardworking spirit of the Filipino,’ Payumo said.

The creation featured a salakot, a traditional Filipino cone-shaped hat made of bamboo, with gold-hued tassels, and a bodysuit covered in sequins and beads with matching gloves and boots. A back piece opens up to reveal wing-like protrusions, while her cape showed the face of an indigenous woman seen in her province of Pampanga.

This is not Payumo’s first international competition. In 2019, as Mutya ng Pilipinas runner-up, she was sent to the Miss Tourism International pageant in Malaysia where she became the fifth winner from the Philippines.

She is hoping to score the country’s first win in the third edition of the Mis Charm pageant this year. Riegning queen Rashmita Rasindran of Malaysia will crown her successor on Dec. 13.