Not a family business: Basilan’s Hataman couple backs anti-dynasty bill

COTABATO, Philippines – In a political landscape defined by familiar surnames and entrenched clans, a challenge to the status quo has emerged from an unlikely source: a “power couple” currently holding two of the highest seats in Basilan province.

Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djahlia Turabin-Hataman and Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman have issued a strong call to pass the anti-dynasty bill, asserting that public office must not be treated as an inheritance or a family corporation.

The statement comes as Malacañang directed Congress to prioritize the measure, though with a caveat from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure the legislation is not “half-baked.”

Despite holding simultaneous positions in the province and its capital city, the Hatamans argued that the existence of “good dynasties” is not a valid excuse to delay a law that would dismantle the concentration of power.

Turabin-Hataman emphasized that their brand of governance is rooted in principle, not bloodline.

“Kami pong mga Turabin-Hataman ay unang naging mga aktibista, bago naging dinastiya,” the mayor declared. “Ang kakayahan at malasakit sa bayan ay hindi monopolyo ng iisang pamilya.“

(We, the Turabin-Hatamans, were activists first before becoming a dynasty…. Competence and concern for the nation are not the monopoly of a single family.)

She stressed that a surname is not a key to office — only the trust of the people is. Both officials urged lawmakers to pass the “best version” of the bill to open opportunities for other capable leaders rather than protecting existing power structures.

Palace push

In Manila, the push for the law has gained momentum from the very top. Marcos, son of the country’s longest-serving president, and member of a prominent political clan, has ordered Congress to prioritize the anti-dynasty bill.

However, the Palace is treading carefully.

Following the filing of a bill by House Speaker Bojie Dy and Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative and presidential son Sandro Marcos, critics have argued the proposed measure merely “limits” rather than “prohibits” dynasties, potentially falling short of the constitutional mandate.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro defended the administration’s pace on Friday, December 12, stating that the President wants to avoid legislative loopholes.

“That is why the enactment of the law should not be rushed; it needs to be studied. Proper debate and the proper exchange of suggestions, opinions, and sentiments should be heard, not hurried,” Castro said in a press briefing.

The directive has been met with skepticism in some quarters. Several lawmakers questioned why the President did not simply certify the bills as urgent, a move that would allow Congress to bypass certain readings and act more quickly.

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Observers have dismissed the directive as a potential symbolic move, noting that the administration is facing declining public trust following controversies over alleged infrastructure-related corruption.

Meanwhile, the current discourse revolves around defining the scope of the prohibition. The proposed measure aims to ban individuals related up to the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity (blood or marriage) to a sitting nationally elected official from running for or holding another national elective position. – Rappler.com