Camille Villar on 'political dynasties': It's the choice of the people

PILI, Camarines Sur — Senatorial bet and Las Piñas Representative Camille Villar defended Friday her family against criticisms that they belong to a political dynasty, saying their stature in public service is the choice of the people.

“I think we’ve already addressed that. That’s a question that’s often asked of us and our answer is that— all the candidates naman that are put in a position are elected so it’s the choice of the people,” Villar said in an ambush interview here.

Villar was asked to react on her mother, outgoing Senator Cynthia Villar’s recent remark that there’s nothing with political dynasties as long as they are performing well.

“There’s nothing wrong with dynasty who will serve the people. Masama ‘ yung dynasty na niloloko ang mga tao. Hindi ba mas maganda if your family likes to serve the people, then you’re serving the people well and you’re honest, hardworking, and there’s nothing wrong with that,” the outgoing senator said.

(What’s bad is a dynasty that fools the people. Is it not better if your family likes to serve the people well.)

For her, politicians who did not come from political dynasties, but are not serving the people well are much worse.

Villar also pointed out that the positions that they have and are seeking to have are elective and not appointive roles.

“When you talk of dynasty, they get elected. They’re not appointed. So if you don’t like for dynasty, then don’t vote for them ‘di ba? They do not force themselves, they campaign, they get elected,” the wife of former Senate President Manny Villar said.

“If ayaw ng tao e ‘di talo. Kung gusto ng tao at nanalo, okay din ‘yun. I don’t think it’s an issue. Baka nga issue pa kung you are not able to do the job, ‘yung capacity mo to do the job well that will be an issue also,” she added.

(If the people don’t want you, you lose. If people like you and you win, that is also okay.)

Article II, Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution states that: The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.

Until now, however, there is no enabling law banning political dynasties. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News

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