Metro Manila, Philippines – The House of Representatives has cleared key measures before Congress adjourned sine die on Wednesday, June 3 – from the anti-political dynasty bill to addressing economic shocks from the Middle East conflict and future crises. Anti-political dynasty bill A total of 267 lawmakers were in favor of the measure, seeking to define and prohibit political dynasties. The bill aims to prohibit spouses or relatives within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity to hold positions simultaneously. A number of lawmakers, however, expressed reservations that the bill would enable dynasties instead of institutionalizing a nationwide ban. “It is not a true or genuine anti-dynasty law, but rather a dynasty legitimization act,” senior deputy minority leader Leila de Lima said. Lanao del Sur 1st district Rep. Zia Adiong, sponsor of the measure, said while he anticipated backlash on the version, there has to be a careful balance in…