Arroyo supports anti-dynasty, turncoatism provisions in Con-com’s draft federal charter

Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has expressed her support for the anti-dynasty and anti-turncoatism provisions in the draft federal charter proposed by the presidential Consultative Committee (Con-com).

In an interview with GMA News' Arnold Clavio, Arroyo pointed out that the provision against political dynasties has long been stated in the 1987 Constitution.

"Yung anti-dynasty, even sa kasalukuyang Constitution nandun na yun e, so sang-ayon ako doon," she said.

According to the Con-com's draft, no person related to an incumbent elective official within the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity can run for the same position in the immediately succeeding election.

"Persons related within the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity, as described above, are prohibited from running simultaneously for more than one national and one regional or local position," it also added.

Aside from this, the Con-com also indicated provisions against turncoatism in its draft, where any member of a political party elected to public office is not allowed from changing political parties within their term of office.

At the same time, any candidate seeking public office or any political party official is also banned from switching political parties two years before and after an election.

Arroyo, in the interview, stressed the need to look into the practice of turncoatism in the current political landscape.

"Noong two-party system tayo, halos walang turncoatism. Noong naging multi-party, madali nang magpalit-palit. So siguro yun ang dapat pag-aralan," she said.

The Speaker likewise reiterated that she is not planning to hold the position of Prime Minister under the proposed federal system of government, as claimed by her detractors.

"Yung mga nagsasabi nun, yun ang gusto talagang magkaroon ng kontrobersiya. Tignan mo naman yung draft ng Con-com, hindi naman parliamentary, but presidential," she said.

"Ako, wala akong balak tumakbo," she added.

In what is described as a "coup," Arroyo on July 23 was formally elected Speaker of the House on Monday — the day of President Rodrigo Duterte's third State of the Nation Address — replacing Davao del Norte Representative Pantaleon Alvarez. — Erwin Colcol/RSJ, GMA News