Koko: Bill vs. turncoats has better chance than anti-dynasty measure

A bill against political turncoatism has a better chance of being approved by Congress than proposals prohibiting political dynasties, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III said Thursday.

The lawmaker was reacting to Senior Deputy Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's bill which seeks to restrict and penalize political turncoats.

"We should try our best. Mas may pag-asa makalusot 'yan kesa sa mga political dynasty law," Pimentel said.

Pimentel said this proposed measure would pave the way for other reforms in the entire political system in the country which will benefit the next generation of politicians.

The minority chief said he expected a "lull period" to be included in the bill to allow politicians to change political parties only when there are no upcoming or recently-concluded elections.

"Mayroon yang period of time, 'yung mga lull period, yung hindi pa masyadong mainit yung halalan...allowed kang mag-shift ng party mo. Hindi 'yung nagsi-shift ka ng party mo dahil lang gagamitin mo yung certificate of nomination ng isang political party na tingin mong biglang lumakas or charismatic yung leader nila," Pimentel said.

"Papanalunin ka kaya tatalalon ka. 'Yun yung ayaw natin kaya nga political butterfly po ang tawag sa mga taong ganyan," he added. —NB, GMA News