Several lawmakers say they support renewed calls for Congress to pass a law banning political dynasties, following a petition before the Supreme Court (SC) urging both chambers to enact such legislation.
The petitioners cited Section 26 of Article II of the 1987 Constitution, which explicitly states that the State shall prohibit political dynasties.
House Quad Committee lead chairperson, Surigao del Norte 2nd District Representative Robert Ace Barbers, expressed support for the measure.
“Yes, personally, I want that. We need to define what a political dynasty means, and what limitations surround the interests of a certain clan or family in running for public office. We need to clarify that first. Give it a definition, and once it becomes law, it must be strictly enforced,” he said in an online interview on Tuesday.
The petitioners cited data from 2006 to 2018 showing that 80% of Congress members are from political families, while bills seeking to define political dynasties have languished in Congress.
When asked if he is optimistic that a measure can be passed during the current administration, Barbers responded affirmatively.
“I think if Congress will clearly come up with a definition and limitations that will be acceptable to both the Senate and House, I support that kind of call. I would prefer that we have a definition of what it really is. So that we are not called a ‘family corporation’,” he said.
“This is the call and objective of the ‘New Philippines’ initiative. We need to change the face of the Philippines by changing political policies, economic policies, and of course, the policies of our government to really achieve the objectives of the ‘New Philippines.’ So, I think our President has the political will,” Barbers shared.
Lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc say it’s about time a law against political dynasties was passed by Congress.
“It’s a long overdue task of Congress to enact that. In this 19th Congress, we filed an anti-political dynasty bill precisely for that purpose. But of course, because of the domination of political dynasties in our legislative branch, it really doesn’t progress. But Congress owes this to the people,” Kabataan Party-list Representative Raoul Manuel said.
“It should be very timely. Because if we let this continue, then every election, we’ll just be choosing which surname should win. That’s not democracy. How can that be democracy?” he added.
ACT Teachers Party-list Representative France Castro is hopeful the high court will issue a resolution on the matter soon.
“We are awaiting the Supreme Court’s resolution on this. Because we see that Congress is somewhat remiss in its duty to pass an enabling law. And the problems it causes are worsening. So, I hope the Supreme Court will issue a resolution that favors the people,” she said.
While there’s no SC ruling yet, Manuel believes all that needs to be done is to define political dynasties based on an existing law. At least two bills against political dynasties were filed during the current 19th Congress.