Updated @ 10:53 p.m., April 3, 2022
MANILA, Philippines — The position of Sen. Manny Pacquiao on the issue of political dynasty during the second presidential debate of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) was met by surprise and disapproval by the other candidates at the event.
During the debate, Pacquiao, along with Sen. Panfilo Lacson and former presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella were asked in a group discussion about their position on the matter.
Both Lacson and Abella said that they don’t want a political dynasty, but Senator Manny Pacquiao gave a different opinion.
“For me, it’s okay if we prohibit political dynasties. But let us remember that we are a democratic country. We are a democracy and the people vote for the officials,” Pacquiao said in Filipino.
Pacquiao said the problem lies with officials who are corrupt, and that corrupt politicians who belong to political dynasties should be jailed.
“Now, the problem is with those who take advantage of us, those who steal from the government. Even if they are your family, you should audit their administration. Those who are corrupt should be jailed,” he said.
He added that prohibiting political dynasties might be unfair for families honestly serving in government.
After all, not all politicians from political dynasties are corrupt because some are genuinely serving the public, said the senator.
Pacquiao also noted that everyone has the right to run for an elective post based on the Constitution and that the rights of politicians from political dynasties may be violated if they will be prohibited to run in the elections.
During the rebuttal portion, fellow presidential candidate Jose Montemayor disputed Pacquiao, stressing that the Constitution prohibits political dynasty.
Another candidate Faisal Mangondato also disputed Pacquiao, saying political dynasties cause “monopoly” in political governance.
Meanwhile, Abella, for his part, said it is important that the government strengthen the political party system instead.
“I don’t agree with political dynasties. I believe that it’s important for us to strengthen political parties,” he said.
Abella noted that political parties are “issue-based” and “not personality-centered.”
He added it is also important that there is no turncoatism, or when a person shifts allegiance from one political party to another, and that the electorate should be well educated and the platforms of candidates should be clear.
Meanwhile, Lacson mentioned that the Constitution itself prohibits political dynasties but there is just no enabling law.
“Maybe it’s not important whether we like or dislike political dynasties. It’s clearly stated in our Constitution that it’s prohibited,” he added.
However, Lacson pointed out that any proposed enabling law on political dynasties might not pass Congress because several lawmakers also come from such families.
The 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 the OFW Family party-list group.
Pacquiao earlier said he would prohibit his relatives from running for government posts if an enabling law against political dynasty will be passed.