Recognizing the importance of public sentiment and opinion in law-making, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan consulted with students, sectoral groups, local officials and other stakeholders on Thursday, February 19, to support the anti-political dynasty law in an effort to fight corruption and abuse of power, and to expand public service opportunities for ordinary people.
The senator, during a public consultation on the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty bill held in Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, underscored the importance of passing the bill amid the multi-billion-peso flood control corruption, which he described as “the largest corruption scandal in the history of the Republic.”
“This, too, is a wake-up call for the bureaucracy as well as the governed—that’s you—the governed and those in government, na hindi na dapat pwede yung dating gawi, na hindi na maaari ang business as usual,” he told the audience composed of students, local officials, non-government organizations, and other stakeholders.
He asked Filipinos to put the “pressure” on their public officials to pass the proposed measure that would end the prevalence of political dynastic families in the country and provide equal opportunities to all.
“Kaya yung governed, you have to speak up, support the anti-dynasty provisions and the bill. Ipakita ninyo sa social media para those in government at kami sa Congress ay talagang magkakaroon ng public pressure to finally enact this measure and it becomes law,” he added.
The senator pointed out that the passage of the anti-political dynasty measure would open up about 5,000 elected positions, which would open opportunities for representatives of various sectors—including persons with disabilities—to be elected.
“And therefore, we go by the resources of the LGU, and perhaps even Congress. You will now have representatives who will push for it and ensure that the structures of violence are addressed by budgetary appropriations and reforms,” he said.
Out of the seven anti-political dynasty bills pending in the Senate, Pangilinan’s own Senate Bill No. 285, or the Anti-Political Dynasty Law calls for the end of dynastic political families that hold multiple and successive elected positions, controlling much of the government’s resources and keeping political power amongst the few.
The senator raised that there are complexities surrounding the definition of dynasties and the implications of familial backgrounds contribute to the ongoing debate on this issue. He pointed out the balance between the sovereign will of the people and the need for anti-dynasty measures. While the general rule supports voter choice, there are arguments for exceptions, particularly in regulating or outright banning political dynasties.
The Senate is determined to open plenary debates on the Anti-Political Dynasty proposal at the earliest possible time, ensuring that the differing versions of the bill are reconciled and consolidated.