VP Binay on anti-political dynasty bill: Why prevent qualified bets wanted by people?

Vice President Jejomar Binay on Sunday said there was nothing wrong in members of political clans holding public office, so long as they have been installed through credible and clean elections.

"Bakit naman ho magkakaroon ng batas para pagbawalan ang gustong magtrabaho, qualified naman at mahahalal naman sa isang malinis at marangal na halalan," said Binay during the first PiliPinas Debates 2016 at the Capitol University in Cagayan de Oro City.

"Hindi naman ho guarantee na porke kamag-anak ay mananalo," he added.

Binay added that there is still a need to properly define what constitutes a "political dynasty."

"Kailangan maging maliwanag ho kung ano ba ang dynasty na tinutukoy. Oo nga't andiyan na sa Saligang Batas na laban ang dynasty pero hindi magkasundo ano ba ang definition ng political dynasty," he said.

During her rebuttal of Binay, Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago stressed that the provision against political dynasties was a basic principle in Constitutional law that should be "applied literally."

Defensor said Congress refuses to pass the anti-political dynasty bill because its members are "self-interested" and themselves are members of dynasties.

Responding to Santiago's rebuttal, Binay reminded the public that even Santiago has a son who got elected.

"Kung malabo ho ang definition ng dynasty eh, iyan po ang problema natin," said Binay. "Tama si Miriam, mayroon sa Constitution, ang problema, walang implementation na batas."

Clarifying Binay's statement, Santiago said: "Mali ang sinabi. Ang anak ko, tumakbo na party-list representative. After one term, he did not run for another post."

She added that she currently has no other family member in government service. —ALG, GMA News