Remove term limits to curb dynasties—ex-UE law dean

Removing constitutional term limits for elective posts is the best way to curb political dynasties, arguing that unchecked hunger for power is ultimately self-destructive, a constitutional law expert said Monday.

Amado Valdez, former dean of the University of the East College of Law, expressed doubt about the pending bills that seek to ban political dynasties in the country to comply with a constitutional mandate.

“Human nature will always want to cling to power. Without term limits, a public official will remain in office until he or she destroys himself or herself,” Valdez said in a DZBB Super Radyo interview.

Under the 1987 Constitution, members of the House of Representatives and local government officials may serve up to three consecutive terms, except barangay officials, whose election dates are set by Congress.

Senators may serve up to two consecutive six-year terms, while the President and Vice President are each limited to a single six-year term.

“That three-consecutive three-year term limit must be removed. As it is, officials simply prepare their relatives for succession," he said.

"Without term limits, there is no need to prepare for succession. Children will have to pursue their own careers,” Valdez added.

Valdez said term limits contradict human nature and the inherent desire for power.

“Term limits are anti-nature, anti-human nature, because of the hunger for power. Human beings always want to be in power, even in corporations," he said.

"Without term limits, a person will stay until the people around him or her grow tired and decide to replace that person,” the former law dean added.

Asked whether the anti-political dynasty bill could gain traction, Valdez said that while there are "sincere efforts," lawmakers "cannot legislate against human nature.”

Valdez also said setting up a state subsidy for election spending by political parties would help address the problem on the dominance of political dynasties.

“If you address the campaign finance system and term limits—look at what happened with our flood control spending. If we had used just 10% of that budget as subsidies for political parties and capable, competent candidates, it would have made a difference,” he said.—MCG, GMA Integrated News