Use clout to pass antidynasty law, Duterte asked

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte should use his popularity and much-vaunted political will to enact a law prohibiting political dynasties if he really wants to banish oligarchy in the country, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said on Wednesday.

The senator was reacting to Mr. Duterte’s speech in Jolo, Sulu, on Tuesday when he claimed to have “dismantled” the country’s oligarchy “without imposing martial law.”

Oligarchs are bad for business, Drilon said, “but let’s make sure that the oligarchs are not substituted by cronies.”

—Marlon Ramos