Anti-dynasty measure sought before federalism is in place

A measure against political dynasties must first be put in place before President Rodrigo Duterte's plan to enforce federalism is realized, political experts said in a report by Maki Pulido on "24 Oras."

Asian Institute of Management Prof. Emmanuel Leyco explained in the report on Friday that the law needs to be passed to avoid political families turning federal states into empires.

"Yung Anti-Political Dynasty Law Should be passed as one of the prerequisites. Pero ang objetive natin diyan, buwagin yung kapangyarihan ng mga iilang pamilya doon sa mga lokalidad at magkaroon ng tamang partisipasyon ang mga mamamayan," Leyco said.

Studies by GMA News Research revealed that 500 political families exist in the Philippines and hold positions from barangay captaincy to presidency.

While the 1987 Constitution has an anti-political dynasty provision under article 2, section 26, Congress has yet to pass a law that would enable the provision.

Former senator Nene Pimentel said the amended constitution that would enforce federalism should have an anti-political dynasty provision with a legal definition for what constitutes a political dynasty.

"Doon sa pagbabago ng saligang batas, ilalagay na rin yung probisyon na bawal ang mga political dynasties, mga warlords at specifically, ngalanan na mula sa taong ito, sa asawa, mistress, anak, up to what degree, ilalagay na doon para hindi na kailangan ng additional legislation," Pimentel said.

Under the federalism initiative, the Philippines will be split into federal states with their own systems and laws.

"Sila ang mage-elect ng mga mababatas nila, silang gagawa na mamimili ng kanilang pinuno at yung batas na gagawin nila, magaapply yan sa kanilang lugar," Leyco said.

"Tapos ang national government naman, ang mga naririnig ko, malilimit na lang sila dun sa foreign policy, national security," he added.

Pimentel is pushing for the creation of 11 states: four in Luzon, four in Visayas, and three in Mindanao with Metro Manila as the federal administrative region of the country.

Luzon will be split between Northern Luzon, Central Luzon, Southern Tagalog, Bicol, and Metro Manila Federal Administration; Visayas will be divided between Eastern, Western, and Central Visayas and MINPAROM; and Mindanao will be halved between Northern Mindanao, Southern Mindanao, and Bangsamoro.

"Ibig sabihin noon, ang mga development plans, mga investment incentives ay manggagaling na sa kanila, hindi na kailangan na pahintulutan pa ng gobyernong central ng Maynila," Pimentel said. —Rie Takumi/NB, GMA News