Pacquiao says to ban relatives from gov’t seats if political dynasty law is passed

MANILA, Philippines — Presidential candidate and Senator Manny Pacquiao said Thursday he would prohibit his relatives from running for government posts if an enabling law against political dynasty will be passed.

“Pagbabawalan po natin pagka may batas na po na maipasa…susunod tayo sa batas,” he said at the “Ikaw Na Ba?” presidential interview of DZBB when asked if he will prohibit his relatives from seeking government positions if he becomes president.

(I will prohibit them from seeing government seats if a law will be passed. We will follow the law.)

“Kung ‘yan po ang kagustuhan majority ng ating mga kababayan, why not? Kapag nandyan na ang batas ay susunod po tayo. Hindi tayo lalabag sa batas,” he added.

(If that is what the majority wants, why now? If there is a law, we will follow it. We will not violate the law.)

Pacquiao said a law prohibiting political dynasties would be passed and implemented if the seating president wants to.

The 1987 Constitution states that “the State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.” However, no enabling law has been passed defining political dynasties.

Pacquiao currently has two brothers in politics. Rogelio is currently the Sarangani Representative, while Alberto or “Bobby” is the representative of OFW Family party-list.

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