In a surprising move as 2025 draws to a close, President Ferdinand "BBM" Marcos Jr. has certified as urgent the passage of four landmark legislative measures. The push for these bills, announced on December 16, 2025, has ignited a national conversation about the potential for genuine reform in the Philippines' political landscape.
A Sudden Push for Systemic Reform
The four bills now on the fast track are the Anti-dynasty bill, the Party-list reform bill, the Independent People’s Commission bill, and the Cadena bill. The Cadena bill, formally known as the Citizens’ Access Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability, aims to enhance transparency in government spending. This unexpected certification has led many to hope it could signal a turning point in the country's long battle with corruption and entrenched political power.
However, seasoned observers are approaching the news with a healthy dose of skepticism. The very nature of the proposed laws—which directly challenge the status quo of political dynasties and party-list manipulation—raises questions about the political will for their unwatered passage. The core dilemma is whether legislators, many of whom benefit from the current system, will pass laws that effectively limit their own power and influence.
Why the Bills Alone May Not Be Enough
Analysts argue that the Anti-dynasty bill, by itself, is an incomplete solution. Without parallel reforms to the election process itself, where victory is often determined by financial resources, wealthy political clans can simply finance surrogate candidates and maintain control by proxy. The fundamental issue lies in a system where voters elect individuals based on personality and patronage, not party platforms or policies.
The critique of the party-list system is equally pointed. In its current form, it fails to provide genuine proportional representation for marginalized sectors. Instead, it has been co-opted by powerful individuals and groups, fragmenting marginalized voices into ineffective, small blocs. True reform, experts suggest, would require a shift toward a fewer-party system where government-funded, ideology-based parties compete, and voters choose platforms over personalities.
The Devil in the Details and the Road Ahead
The Independent People’s Commission bill also faces scrutiny. Its potential effectiveness hinges entirely on its finer points: Who will appoint its members, and what will be the criteria for selection? Poorly crafted provisions could create convenient escape hatches for the very individuals the commission is meant to investigate.
Similarly, the practical mechanisms of the Cadena bill for preventing corruption remain unclear, leaving room for loopholes. The most pressing questions now are procedural and political: How can a Congress, known for protracted horse-trading, pass these complex bills without delay? And what will stop both houses from diluting the legislation with loopholes before approval?
Given the Supreme Court's recent reminders about legislative self-interest, the path forward is fraught. While the certification of these bills is a significant development, many advocate for public vigilance. The move could be a substantive step toward change or merely political theatre designed to manage public pressure. The consensus among critical voices is clear: maintain skepticism, keep the pressure on, and demand that the final laws live up to their transformative promise.
