Senator Robin Padilla is set to file an anti-political dynasty bill, amid mounting calls for an enabling law to implement the Constitution’s provisions against such dynasties.
Padilla said this is in response to petitions and other pleadings asking the Supreme Court to compel Congress to pass laws related to political dynasties.
“Tulad ng sinabi ko sa pagdinig ng Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes noong Hunyo, ako ay naniniwala sa 1987 Constitution, nguni’t nabigo tayong magpasa ng enabling law para rito,” the legislator said.
“Hindi pa huli para silipin natin kung saan nagkulang ang ating henerasyon,” the lawmaker added.
The senator said that after filing the bill, he plans to have the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes, which he chairs, to hold hearings on the matter.
“As early as in the 1990s, 60% of Congress were from political dynasties. Now this has gone to as high as 92%.”
During the recent hearing, Ricardo Penson, chairman of Consumer Protection Advocacy Group, Inc. (CPAG), noted that as early as in the 1990s, 60 percent of Congress were from political dynasties. Now, Penson said this has gone to as high as 92 percent.
He said this would render futile a constitutional convention “if 92 percent will be running as delegates” to the convention.
“Congress should prioritize the passage of an anti-dynasty law instead of moves to amend the Charter.”
For his part, Christian Monsod – one of the framers of the 1987 Constitution – urged Congress to prioritize the passage of an anti-dynasty law instead of moves to amend the Charter.
Monsod cited the worsening effects of entrenched political dynasties.
He was quoted in reports as saying that real change cannot happen “until we strike at the roots” of the system.
