Solon backs proposed ‘anti-turncoatism’ charter amendment
MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker on Wednesday expressed support to a proposal to curb the practice of political turncoatism, saying it’s high time to stop politics for expediency.
Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel said the present political setup has become embarrassing for the country because it opened itself to so-called political butterflies who switch loyalties.
“Ang nangyayari po dito ay nakakahiya na, dapat ay matapos na yung panahon ng mga balimbing (What is happening is now embarrassing. The practice of being a political butterfly should end now),” Pimentel said at the hearing of the House committee on constitutional amendments.
The committee was hearing the proposed amendments of the Inter-agency Task Force on Federalism and Constitutional Reform (IATF) to the 1987 Constitution, among which was the provision against political turncoatism.
“Ihinto na natin itong ugali natin na wala tayong mga prinsipyo, wala tayong paninindigan (Let us end this practice of not having principles, not having integrity). I think politicians should be above this practice of being a balimbing,” the lawmaker said, referring to the fruit-bearing tree usually being used to derogatorily describe politicians who, without qualms, transfer from one political party to another—usually to the dominant political party.
Under the proposal of the IATF, candidates and officials of any political party are prohibited from changing political party one year after the election and one year before the next election.
“Political butterflies and the political parties that accepted them will be subject to heavy penalties,” a document provided by the task force states.
Last February 5, four members of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) transferred to the National Unity Party (NUP).
The move increased NUP’s number in the House to 62, including the presidential son and Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte who is an adopted member of the party.
Pimentel, a member of PDP-Laban, however acknowledge that it is the prerogative of congressmen to choose their parties.
Need to curb ‘balimbings’
The chair of the committee on constitutional amendments himself, Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, also earlier expressed support towards the proposal.
“Certainly, anti-turncoatism is also needed by our country because there are so many balimbings in the political scene,” Rodriguez told reporters in January.
“So this hopes to change the landscape to be better, strengthen political parties by staying with the parties—the visions, the programs of your party,” he added.
The committee was scheduled to vote on IATF’s proposed amendments to the 1987 Constitution during Wednesday’s hearing.
The provisions that will be approved will be included in the constitutional amendments committee’s report which will be submitted to plenary for debate.
However, the voting was postponed, with Rodriguez saying that IATF’s proposal needs further studying by the members of the House panel.
