By: Aliahcorr Balanon
Photo courtesy of Dominique Nicole Flores | Philstar
The House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms is set to open the deliberations on anti-political dynasty bills under the leadership of Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
House speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III urged his colleagues at the lower chamber to have the courage to tackle the measures.
“Hindi tayo uurong sa mahihirap na usapin. Bubuksan natin ang mga diskusyong matagal nang iniiwasan–kabilang na ang anti-political dynasty bill, na uumpisahan nating talakayin bukas sa Komite,” he said in a speech during the resumption of House plenary sessions on Monday, Jan. 26.
The House leader also noted that the anti-political dynasty measure has been identified as a priority by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during the recent meeting of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).
Additionally, the House Bill No. 6771 was filed by Dy with Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos, who both come from political families.
“Alam kong ito’y sensitibo at personal para sa ilan–maging sa aking pamilya. Ngunit kung seryoso tayo sa reporma, kung ang hangad natin ay patas na pagkakataon para sa lahat, we must have the courage to talk about it–honestly, openly, and with sincerity,” Dy added.
Political Science Prof. Julio Teehankee said that an acceptable limit for members of a political family holding public office is two: one serving at the national level and another at the local level.
But he observed that the proposed ban on political dynasties under House Bill 6771 is unclear on the maximum number of family members that can simultaneously occupy elective national and local posts.
The chairperson of the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms reaffirmed that the bill affirms core democratic principles which are equal access, fair competition, accountability, leadership renewal, and the understanding that public office is a public trust, not a hereditary entitlement.