NAMFREL backs passage of 'authentic' anti-dynasty bill

Poll watchdog National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) has backed the passage of a measure prohibiting political dynasties.

In a statement, NAMFREL expressed support for the passage and prioritization of an "authentic" anti-dynasty law as it aired its recommendations for such a measure.

According to NAMFREL, the anti-dynasty bill should prohibit relatives within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity from simultaneously holding elective positions within the same province or city. It should also ban immediate family members from succeeding each other in the same position for at least one intervening term.

The restriction should likewise apply to all levels, ranging from barangay to national positions. Elective positions won before effectivity should be exempted until term completion, the poll watchdog said.

"NAMFREL's observations through the years confirm that 'the problems of lack of accountability and corruption in governance are ultimately traceable to the country's historically evolved political processes' including 'the dominance of elite interests – both local and national – in politics and political contests'," it added.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has urged Congress to prioritize the passage of the Anti-Dynasty Bill following a meeting of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) at Malacañang.

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

Several proposed measures have been introduced but no law against political dynasties has been enacted almost 40 years since the Constitution was signed.

Last week, Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III and House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander "Sandro" Marcos filed an Anti-Political Dynasty Bill, which bans relatives of incumbent public officials from holding the same level of an elective position at the same time.

However, some lawmakers and political analysts said their version of the legislation is misleading and contains several loopholes. 

To recall, Marcos, when he was still a presidential aspirant, said that there was nothing wrong with political dynasties.

Marcos had said that an election was "the best way to get rid of political dynasty."

Asked recently about his current view on the issue, Malacañang said the political landscape in the country has changed, prompting Marcos to support the proposed anti-dynasty measure. — VDV, GMA Integrated News