SEN. Robin Padilla has introduced Resolution of Both Houses 9 (RBH 9), which aims to address the contentious issue of political dynasties.
In introducing RBH 9 last Wednesday, Padilla emphasized that the existing term limits for elected officials have not effectively curbed the existence of political dynasties.
He said that through the resolution, he hopes to bring about meaningful change and reduce the influence of entrenched political families.
Sen. Robinhood Padilla. Photo from Senate Social Media Unit
He said the term limits outlined in the Constitution “are not effective in curtailing the proliferation of political dynasties as term-enders may run for a different office or are replaced by a relative, or both.”
Instead of waiting for an enabling law from Congress, RBH 9 seeks restrictions on relatives running for public office.
“Congressional inaction on several anti-political dynasty measures calls for the amendment of Section 26, Article II of the Constitution to convert the same into a self-executory provision,” he said.
Padilla said equal opportunity for public service, inclusivity, and fair representation in executive and legislative affairs are supposed to be among the benefits derived from a democratic state.
Yet, political dynasties “continue to thrive and dominate in both national and local elections, most frequently unchallenged,” he said.
Citing a 2017 article in the Philippine Review of Economics, Padilla said 70 percent of members of the Philippine Congress come from dynasties — an “overwhelming” percentage when compared to 6.9 percent of legislators in the United States.
Worse, local political dynasties tend to allocate resources to capture the market for — and thus twist the purpose of — partylist organizations, he said.
He also noted a survey by Kontra Daya that shows 70 percent of partylist candidates in 2022 are related to political dynasties.
Under RBH 9, Section 26 of Article II (Declaration of State Principles and State Policies) shall be amended to read, “The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service” — removing the clause “as may be defined by law.”
It also decrees that the candidacy or holding of office of the following persons be prohibited:
Relatives of the President, vice president, senators, or party list representatives running for the same or any national elective positions.
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