Sen. Miriam files anti-political recommendations bill vs 'padrino system'

Senator Miriam Santiago has filed a bill that seeks to prohibit politicians from practicing the "padrino system," or making political recommendations for government positions.

The feisty senator filed the "Anti-Political Recommendations Bill" amid the controversy over the alleged practice by some "powerful forces," supposedly including senators, of meddling in the affairs of the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

"The 'padrino system' is another deplorable practice of 'epal' politicians," Santiago said in a statement released Sunday.

"These epal politicians already have their names on every public infrastructure from their pork barrel funds, and now they want their names attached in people’s résumés? The nerve of these people!" the feisty senator added.

Santiago stressed that the padrino system also bypasses more qualified individuals for a position in government.

"Corrupt na nga, unqualified pa. We should bring back meritocracy to the bureaucracy," she said.
 
"Why should a senator or congressman meddle and influence how an agency of the executive branch hires its employees? If the person you backed turns out to be corrupt, what does it say about you as a politician?" she added.

Violators can be fined up to P30,000 or jailed for up to a year.

She added that passing the bill will strengthen the bureaucracy by granting the rights of appointing agencies to appoint, promote, assign, transfer, or designate their employees. — Amanda Fernandez/BM, GMA News