Con-com approves ‘regulated ban’ on political dynasties in PH

The Consultative Committee (Con-com) reviewing the 1987 Constitution has unanimously finalized its proposed anti-political dynasty provisions, which aims to impose a “regulated ban” on political dynasties participating in the country’s political process.

In an en banc session on Wednesday, 18 members of the 20-member Con-com voted in favor of firming up the provision that guarantees “equal access to opportunities for public service and prohibit political dynasties.” Two Con-com members were absent during the voting.

“A political dynasty exists when a family whose members are related up to the second degree of consanguinity or affinity whether such relations are legitimate, illegitimate, half or full blood, maintains or is capable of maintaining political control by succession or by simultaneously running for or holding elective positions,” the provision states.

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The provision also prohibits any person related to an incumbent elective official within the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity to run for the same position in the next election.

It also states “persons related within the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity are prohibited from running simultaneously for more than one national and one regional or local position.”

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Retired Chief Justice Reyato Puno, chairperson of the Con-com chairperson, said there are “no counter-facts to the truth” those political dynasties “have brought down democracy in many parts of the world.”

“The road to the people’s right to elect the people who will govern them would not, however, be an easy passage,” Puno said in a speech as he cast his vote.

“Along the journey, this sovereign right has been stolen, diluted, defaced, and desecrated by a new breed of monarchs known over the world as political dynasties,” the retired Chief Justice stressed.             /kga