Legislators told ‘redeem yourselves’ by passing anti-dynasty bill

By: Leila B. Salaverria - 11 years ago

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MANILA, Philippines—Sponsors of the anti-dynasty bill are trying to convince to backing the measure by saying that it would help vindicate and redeem legislators’ battered reputation and prove their detractors wrong.

Members of Congress have been roundly criticized by observers who say an anti-dynasty bill would never be approved because the legislature itself is a sanctuary for old and new political dynasties, according to Rep. Fredenil Castro of Capiz, chairman of the suffrage committee.

Castro said members of Congress should be given a chance to prove through their votes that “they are not the ferocious beasts described by their detractors,” and to redeem themselves from unfair judgment hurled against them and their political clans.

“The presentation of House Bill 3587 is the most rare opportunity for the members of Congress to prove that all biased and unsavory remarks hurled against them were wrong and purely the product of the fertile but deadly venom of imagination,” Castro said in his sponsorship speech.

If the lawmakers want history to judge them and their forebears with kindness and honor, they must pass the anti-dynasty bill into law, he said.

“In so doing, the present members of Congress, as well as the agonizing and moaning souls of your ascendants in this august chamber who have long joined their creator but have not attained eternal peace will achieve vindication and redemption,” he said.

For lawmakers to approve the bill, they would have to put the interest of the country ahead of their own, and of their commitment to family and allies, he said.

Another sponsor, Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice, said approving the bill the lawmakers would leave a legacy they could truly be proud of.

“Let us pass this anti-political dynasty bill and let our sons and daughters and the next generation see and remember how we have been instrumental in redirecting the path of our country. That would have been our legacy, not a dynasty,” Erice said.

He said incumbent political leaders must act as a “moral compass” and lead by example.

“It is our responsibility to ensure that our family members would not be a cause of the impoverishment of our own constituencies, and ultimately, of our country,” he said.

As of late, Congress’ image has also taken a hit because of the pork barrel scam in which powerful legislators have been accused of pocketing kickbacks part of their pork barrel funds.

But aside from the public relations bonanza, the sponsors said, the anti-political dynasty bill would also help improve governance and the delivery of services to the people.

Erice, citing a study by the Asian Institute of Management, said the prevalence of dynasties has prevented the majority of citizens from effectively communicating their needs to government, and prevented the government from adequately responding to social and economic problems.

The misrepresentation or inadequate representation of excluded groups could also worsen poverty and income equality, and skew poverty reduction policies, he added.

He said democratic institutions could become compromised if dynastic officials used the state to promote their own interests. Dynasties would also adversely affect the selection of public leaders, with the influential edging out the best and the brightest.

Dynasties also hobble political parties, Erice said, explaining that because of strong familial ties, admission or nomination of its candidates was dictated by a person’s surname instead of qualifications.

Political violence and abuse of corruption are also additional menaces that arise when political power is concentrated in one family. Dynasties could also hobble families, especially when relatives fight over one position, he said.