Bicam removes ‘anti-dynasty’ provision in BBL proposal

The bicameral conference committee has removed the "anti-dynasty" provision in the final version of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

Two members of the panel — Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon and Senator Francis Escudero — confirmed the development on Monday, the first day of the bicameral conference committee meeting for the BBL proposal.

The anti-dynasty provision was stated in Article VII, Section 15 of Senate Bill 1717, the upper chamber's version of the BBL proposal.

It reads: "No Party Representative should be related within the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity to a District Representative or another Party Representative in the same Parliament."

The House's version of the bill, however, has no such provision.

In a text message to reporters, Drilon said the adoption of the said provision in the Senate's bill was "strongly opposed" by some members.

He, however, did not argue and pushed for its adoption as a form of "protest," believing that it is "useless."

"It is a much weaker provision than that provided in the SK (Sangguniang Kabataan) Law. Such provision will not really curb dynastic behaviors," Drilon said.

"In fact, it is a hypocritical provision, toothless to address the ill effects of dynasties. We might as well do away with it," he said.

For his part, Escudero said the provision only applies to party-list representatives and not to other members of parliament or other officials of the Bangsamoro.

"It is, therefore, selective, discriminatory and ineffective per the bicam," he added.

Instead of an anti-policy provision, Drilon suggested for a strong regulation of political dynasties that is applicable to all public officials.

"I already signed a committee report regulating it," he said.

Once the bicameral conference committee reconciles the varying provisions of the versions of the two chambers, the Senate and the House will separately ratify the measure on the opening of the Third Regular Session on July 23.

The final version of the measure will then be submitted to President Rodrigo Duterte for signing later that day, in time for his third State of the Nation Address. — RSJ, GMA News