Namfrel bucks political dynasties, lifting of term limits

The National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) has strongly opposed the removal of term limits for lawmakers and the ban on political dynasties as provided for in the proposed amendments to the 1987 Constitution.

“We do not agree with the removal of term limits, as this violates the principle that aims to ensure accountability of elected public officials,” Namfrel secretary general Eric Alvia said.

“It also ensures that the authority of government and the mandate of an elected official continues to be based on the free expression of the will of the voters,” he added.

House resolution

The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved on third and final reading the measure seeking to amend the 1987 Constitution.

Those who voted against the resolution condemned the proposals changing the form of government to federal, lifting lawmakers’ term limits, removing provisions against political dynasties and giving Congress the power to allow foreign ownership of land, educational institutions and media companies, among others.

The removal of term limits by the House essentially removes the safeguard against monopoly of power, Alvia said, adding that it is made even worse by the scrapping of the proposed ban on political dynasties.

Open to abuse

“The removal worsens the situation, since an antidynasty provision counters the absence of term limits. Now both have been taken out, so this opens up opportunities to be abused and exploited,” he said.

Alvia said the people could expect elected public officials and their families to lord over for extended periods of time, which might be detrimental to the constituents and for development.

“This is worrisome, especially in a federal structure, since it could further spawn political and economic elites,” he said.