Speaker Dy, Sandro file bill vs political dynasties

Speaker Faustino Dy III and President Marcos' son Ilocos Norte 1st district Rep. Sandro Marcos have jointly filed a bill seeking to prohibit political dynasties.

- By JOSE RODEL CLAPANO

Under House Bill No. 6771, the spouses, siblings and relatives within the fourth civil degree of affinity or consanguinity of an elected public official are disqualified from simultaneously holding elective public positions.

Dy and Marcos said that there is a need to define and prohibit the establishment and perpetuation of political dynasties to promote equitable political participation.

"The core of democratic governance is the principle of political equality, that every citizen should have an equal opportunity to participate in and influence political decision-making," Dy and Marcos said in HB 6771.

Dy and Marcos cited Article II, Section 26 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which provides that "[t)he State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law."

"It is the declared policy of the State to uphold and guarantee equal access to opportunities for public office and render service to the people.

Toward this end, the State shall adopt measures to prevent the establishment and perpetuation of political dynasties or familial concentrations of political power and shall promote equal opportunities for all citizens to participate in governance and serve the public based on merit, competence and integrity," Dy and Marcos said.