Casino's original bill was limited to banning dynasties in the provincial, city and municipal levels where they are most commonly experienced.


Article II, Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution expressly provides that the State "shall guarantee equal access to public service and prohibit political dynasty as may be defined by law."


Bayan Muna started filing its anti-political dynasty bill in the 12th Congress (2001) but failed to pass committee level.


In today's hearing, the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), and the Center for People Empowerment in Governance (CenPEG) expressed full support for the proposed measure.


It was Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr., committee chair, who suggested for the expansion of the coverage to include barangay officials which are also engaged in political dynasties.


The expansion proposal was formalized by Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento during the hearing.


While Casino was happy with the initial results, he expressed dismay at the fact that no political party was present during the committee hearing.


Political dynasties had yet to infiltrate the country's party-list system.


"It is quite disturbing that none of the country's political parties were present during the hearing as this measure will in fact strengthen them. It is as if these political parties are only present during election time but are not interested in fundamental political reforms," said Casino.


Nevertheless, he said, "we will do our best to take this anti-dynasty measure to the floor since we do not have any conflict of interest in this regard."


HB 3413 defines Political Dynasty as "the concentration, consolidation or perpetuation of public office and political power by persons related to one another."


On the other hand, a Political Dynasty Relationship is when a person who is the spouse of an incumbent elective official or a relative within the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity of an incumbent elective official holds or runs for an elective office simultaneously with the incumbent elective official; and when two or more persons who are spouses or are related within the second civil of consanguinity or affinity run simultaneously for elective public office, even if neither is so related to an incumbent elective official.


Co-authors of the bill are Reps. Neri Colmenares (Bayan Muna party-list), Luzviminda Ilagan and Emmi de Jesus (Gabriela party-list), Rafael Mariano (Anakpawis party-list), Raymond Palatino (Kabataan party-list), and Antonio Tinio (ACT Teachers party-list). 




Lilybeth G. Ison 
June 1, 2011 Philippine News Agency

Anti-Political Dynasty bill to include barangay, national posts