By Billy Begas
House Deputy Speaker and La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V said that the House-approved version of the anti-political dynasty bill is the “most realistic” approach to implement the Constitution’s mandate against political dynasties.
Ortega said that the House version may not be as restrictive as some advocates want, but it stands the best chance of becoming law.
“Siguro ‘yung napasa po naming [anti-political] dynasty bill, ‘yung version po namin na isinulong at naipasa, siguro kumbaga ‘yun ang pinaka-realistic,” Ortega said.
“Kahit papaano may trimming na nangyari, although hindi ganoon ka-comprehensive at ganoon ka-dramatic pero ‘yun po ‘yung pinaka-realistic na mas maipapasa,” he added.
The House approved on third and final reading House Bill 8389, which seeks to prohibit political dynasties by restricting spouses and relatives within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity from simultaneously seeking or holding elective positions within the same political jurisdiction.
The bill was principally authored by Speaker Faustino Dy III and House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos and is among the priority measures included in the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council.
“Hindi naman po ako magpapaka-hypocrite. Hindi naman po lingid sa taumbayan na ako po ay isang member rin ng political family,” he said.
“Magandang unang hakbang ito. So at least kahit papaano, in the history [of the House], naipasa po sa Kongreso,” Ortega added.
He explained that the House version adopted a clustering approach, preventing close relatives from simultaneously holding multiple elective positions within the same political jurisdiction.
Ortega stressed, however, that anti-dynasty legislation alone will not solve all governance issues in the country. He is seeking to raise the qualifications for public office and encouraging the development of future leaders regardless of family background.
The solon stressed that voters should judge candidates based on competence and performance rather than family name alone.
Ortega also called for stronger political parties and a shift toward issue-based politics.
“Sana umabot na tayo sa punto na ang tao hindi na nakabase sa politiko kundi sa ginagawa niya sa mga issues na kailangang sagutin,” he added.
The Senate has yet to pass its version of the anti-political dynasty bill.
