To kickstart the process of finally ending political dynasties, Senator Robin Padilla proposed an amendment to the 1987 Constitution aiming to give it more teeth on the matter.
Padilla filed Resolution of Both Houses No. 9, where he noted the term limits of elected officials as outlined in the Charter have failed to stop the proliferation of political dynasties.
Instead of waiting for an enabling law from Congress, RBH 9 seeks restrictions on relatives running for public office.
“The term limits of elected officials outlined in the Constitution are not effective in curtailing the proliferation of political dynasties as term-enders may run for a different office or are replaced by a relative, or both,” the legislator said.
“Congressional inaction on several anti-political dynasty measures calls for the amendment of Sec. 26, Art. II of the Constitution to convert the same into a self-executory provision,” the lawmaker added.
The senator stressed “equal opportunities for public service, inclusivity and fair representation in executive and legislative affairs are supposed to be among the blessings of a democratic state”.
“Political dynasties continue to thrive and dominate in both national and local elections, most frequently unchallenged.”
Yet, he lamented that political dynasties “continue to thrive and dominate in both national and local elections, most frequently unchallenged”.
Citing a 2017 article in the Philippine Review of Economics, Padilla said 70 percent of members of the Philippine Congress come from dynasties – an “overwhelming” percentage when compared to 6.9% of legislators in the United States.
“Local political dynasties tend to allocate resources to capture the market for – and thus twist the purpose of – party-list organizations.”
Worse, he said local political dynasties tend to allocate resources to capture the market for – and thus twist the purpose of – party-list organizations.
Padilla likewise noted a survey by Kontra Daya shows 70 percent of party list candidates in 2022 are related to political dynasties.
Under RBH 9, the Sec. 26 of Art II (Declaration of State Principles and State Policies) shall be amended to read, “The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service” – removing the clause “as may be defined by law”.
It also decrees that the candidacy or holding of office of the following persons shall be prohibited:
1. Relatives of the President, Vice President, senators, or party list representatives running for the same or any national elective positions;
2. Relatives of incumbent local officials running for any elective office in the same city and/or province where the incumbent is elected;
3. Relatives of incumbent local officials running for party list representative;
4. Relatives of the President, Vice President, or senators running for local elective office in the same city or province wherein the said officials are domiciled.
Relatives include spouses or persons related within the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity, whether legitimate or illegitimate, full blood or half blood.
Candidacy in the same election of related persons within the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity to any elective position shall be prohibited, provided the bona fide certificate of candidacy that was first filed will be recognized.
Last July 15, Padilla filed Senate Bill 2730 or the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill.
The bill has been referred to the Committee on Electoral Reforms and People’s Participation.
