Time to End Political Dynasties, Bukidnon Rep. Says
MANILA, Philippines — Bukidnon 2nd District Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores, who openly acknowledges enjoying the benefits of belonging to a political family, is calling on Congress to act on a bill that defines and bans political dynasties. Flores stressed the need for legislation to create a fairer political arena.
During a recent interview, Flores revealed he filed a bill aimed at preventing immediate relatives from succeeding incumbent elected officials. This measure is designed to level the playing field for all candidates.
Flores explained that candidates related to political figures gain distinct advantages, such as name recall, which other contenders lack. “Well to be honest, I benefitted from that eh, my dad was a former congressman also, and I ran after his third term. But then, there are already advantages that are set in my favor because of name recall, a set position that was held, right? And these advantages are not present to other people. So it gives people who hold the position a certain advantage over others who don’t hold the position,” he shared.
He further added, “So it’s a bill against my own interest I guess so, but still I think it should be considered because — I don’t know, others will hate me for this — but it’s either the current, the wife, the son, the father, who will replace (the incumbent), that’s what we are seeing, and it’s true na they can argue that people vote for them. But you cannot deny that there are certain advantages already in place.”
Strict Measures on Political Dynasties Proposed
Flores’ bill proposes barring candidates related within the second degree of affinity or consanguinity from running for any public office in the same area or succeeding the incumbent. This means parents, children, and spouses of a sitting district representative cannot seek any local post or succeed their relative once term limits apply.
“My proposal is more strict, because it’s the second degree, and there will be no succession. Let’s say if you’re already holding a position in the province, any relative to the second degree of relations, cannot file for any position within that area. So the relative cannot be a councilor, a vice mayor, or mayor if you’re a congressman,” Flores explained.
He added, “Any of your relatives within the second degree of affinity or consanguinity. And same with succession meaning if your term ends, that person within that relationship cannot file for the position that you will be vacating.”
Flores noted that these advantages not only hinder opposing candidates but also restrict voters’ choices. “Well it kind of limits the choices because as I said there are already built-in advantages by being related to the person holding the position. First, in name recall,” he said.
“And second is the activities that are being done, like for example if you’re the mayor, you could hire a lot of people […] as job orders or something, and there are benefits received by people in a sense. So if somebody wants to succeed you or replace you and that person is a relative of yours — the name already sticks to what you have done,” he added.
Renewed Push for Anti-Dynasty Legislation
The Makabayan bloc recently refiled House Bill No. 209, the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Act, aiming to enforce the 1987 Constitution’s provisions against dynasties. The bill prohibits individuals within the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity from holding or running for elective office simultaneously and bans immediate succession among relatives.
In March, several advocacy groups including 1Sambayan filed a petition with the Supreme Court urging the judiciary to compel Congress to pass an anti-dynasty law. They argue that Congress has repeatedly failed to fulfill the Constitution’s mandate, allowing political dynasties to dominate power and worsen inequality for decades.
The petition even calls for Congress to be held in contempt if it fails to act within a year of a favorable court ruling. “Congress’ failure to enact an enabling law, since the Constitution’s ratification in 1987 up to date, has not only rendered Article II, Section 26 of the Constitution inutile but also allowed political dynasties to concentrate power within a few families, undermined the democratic process, and ultimately exacerbated poverty and inequality among our people,” the petition stated.
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