Makabayan bloc refiled anti-political dynasty bill

A bill seeking to define and prohibit political dynasties in the country has been filed in the House of Representatives.

Under House Bill 209 filed by ACT Teachers Party-list Representative Antonio Tinio and Kabataan Party-list Representative, a political dynasty is defined as a family or clan that concentrates, consolidates, or perpetuates their political power by holding public office simultaneously or successively.

The bill states that no person shall hold or run for any elective national or local office simultaneously with another within the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity, whether legitimate or illegitimate, full or half blood.

It adds that no person within the prohibited civil degree of relationship to an incumbent elected official shall immediately succeed to the position of the latter.

Under the bill, any person running for any elective public office shall file a sworn statement with the Commission on Elections stating that they do not fall under the prohibition.

It states the Comelec, motu proprio or upon verified petition, shall disqualify the candidates found violating the Act and their votes, if any, shall not be counted. The violator shall not be proclaimed and allowed to assume office.

But for Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre, the issue that needs to be addressed is the lack of political participation rather than the political dynasty.

“Political dynasties are not the problem. Our problem is [lack of] political participation. How do we enable more Filipinos to participate in politics, run for public office? As it is, there are many factors to consider: education, willingness to participate,” Acidre said in a press conference.

“Politics is not only limited during elections. I understand the merit of the proposal to ban political dynasties, but rather than exclude people, we should find ways to foster participation of Filipinos who are willing, qualified and have the competence to run for public office and serve the people. In my mind, that would be a more proactive manner of responding to political dynasties,” Acidre added.

Further, Acidre said disqualifying individuals based on blood relations is unfair.

“It would not be fair to say that someone is already incompetent, unqualified, just because of who their parents and relatives are,” Acidre said.

“The question we should be asking is, is that person deserving to occupy public office? And that question cannot be answered by just banning political dynasties,” Acidre added. —Tina Panganiban-Perez and Llanesca T. Panti/AOL/RF, GMA Integrated News