• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
A resolution expressing the strong and urgent support for the immediate enactment of a comprehensive Anti-Political Dynasty Law, was approved by the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod yesterday.
The resolution authored by Councilor Celia Matea Flor, said Article II, Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution mandates that “The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.”
An enabling Anti-Political Dynasty Law has yet to be enacted despite this constitutional requirement, leaving the prohibition toothless and unenforced, it said.
The current comprehensive Anti-Political Bill before the Philippine Congress aims to define political dynasties and prohibit spouses and relatives within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity from simultaneously running for or holding elective office in the same jurisdiction (national and local), with clear enforcement mechanisms through the Commission on Elections, the resolution said.
Recent empirical data shows extensive domination of dynastic families in Philippine politics-including approximately 87 percent of provincial governors, 80 percent of district representatives, 67 percent of House members, and 53 percent of mayors belonging to political dynasties – undermining political competition, limiting access to public office, and entrenching patronage and inequity, it said.
The hearing on the bill held in Bacolod City, where the measure received broad community support and was fully endorsed by Mayor Greg Gasataya, reflects the local electorate’s desire for reforms that broadens political participation and strengthen democratic governance, the resolution said.
The resolution was also co-authored by Councilors Jude Thaddeus Sayson, Israel Salanga, Roberto Rojas, Em Ang, Jason Villarosa, Dindo Ramos, Homer Bais, Psyche Marie Sy, and Wilson Gamboa Jr.*
