Senate bill seeks end to political dynasties

SEN. Robin Padilla on Wednesday night filed Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 9 asking both chambers of Congress to end political dynasties in the country by amending the 1987 Constitution.

“The term limits of elected officials outlined in the (37-year-old) 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,” Padilla said in RBH 9.

He noted that political dynasties “continue to thrive and dominate in both national and local elections, most frequently unchallenged” as he stressed that 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.”

A 2017 article in the Philippine Review of Economics shows that 70 percent of the members of Congress come from dynasties, which is an overwhelming percentage compared to 6.9 percent of legislators in the United States.

Instead of waiting for an enabling law from Congress, Padilla said RBH 9 will impose restrictions on relatives running for public office.

Under RBH 9, 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 proposes the prohibition of the candidacy or holding of office of the following persons: relatives of the president, vice president, senators, or party list representatives running for the same or any national elective positions; relatives of incumbent local officials running for any elective office in the same city and/or province where the incumbent is elected; relatives of incumbent local officials running for party-list representative; 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.

The proposed measure states that “relatives” shall include spouses or persons related within the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity, whether legitimate or illegitimate, full-blood or half-blood.