Why dynasties thrive: Love, lunacy, lust and luck

Sable enator Bam Aquino of the fabled Cojuangco-Aquino dynasty of Tarlac has a novel approach to how to stop dynasts from running for public office.

- TONY LOPEZ

Bunutan or drawing of lots. Or raffle or lottery, in plain English.

Article II, Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution says: "The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law."

Under Bam's Senate Bill 1558, "Defining and Prohibiting Political Dynasties," candidates who are related by blood and marriage-up to the third degree (uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, great-grandparent or great-grandchild, whether legitimate, illegitimate or adopted, including their spouses) - will be allowed to run. Only if they win will they face disqualification.

Who will be disqualified among winners who are related to one another? They have to agree to draw lots.

Section 6 of Bam's bill (Determination of Elected Candidates with Political Dynasty Relationship) says: "Whenever it appears from the official canvass that two or more candidates elected to the same or different positions at the local or national level are related within the third degree of consanguinity or affinity and would hold office simultaneously, the Board of Canvassers, after recording this fact in its minutes, by resolution, shall hold a special public meeting to resolve the matter.

"Before conducting the drawing of lots, the Board shall first determine whether the related candidates have voluntarily entered into an agreement as to who shall withdraw in the event that both are elected. If such an agreement exists, the Board shall abide by the terms of the agreement and proclaim the agreed-upon candidate.