Comelec: Political dynasty ban should begin in local gov't positions

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Sunday the implementation of an anti-political dynasty law should begin in local government posts before extending the possible ban to national positions.

"Simplify lang muna. Ang importante sa aking palagay, makapagpatupad lang tayo kahit simple lang muna na anti-political dynasty," Comelec Chairperson George Garcia told Super Radyo dzBB, as he expressed support for the proposed measure.

(Just simplify it for now. In my opinion, the important thing is that we can implement even a simple version of an anti-political dynasty law.)

He said it would be better if the country implements such a law so that more people can run in elections.

"Kalimitan naman, ang talagang sinasabi na makakapagpaurong sa development ng ating bansa ay kapag ang concentration ng kapangyarihan ay nasa lokal," Garcia added.

(It has been often said that what would truly push the development of our country forward is when the concentration of power is at the local level.)

Senator Risa Hontiveros, chair of the Senate panel on electoral reforms and people's participation, has said essential points raised during the past five public consultations on the anti-political dynasty bill would be considered in drafting the committee report.

Several measures have been filed in the Senate and the House of Representatives seeking to implement the 1987 Constitution's provision prohibiting political dynasties.

At the Senate, seven anti-dynasty bills are pending before the electoral reforms committee. — VDV, GMA Integrated News