Press Release
March 12, 2018

Drilon seeks immediate passage of anti-dynasty law

Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon on Monday sought the immediate passage of the anti-political dynasty law, vowing anew to include a provision that will prohibit political dynasties in the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

In a radio interview, Drilon highlighted how poor provinces in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) are ruled by dynastic relationship.

Citing a study conducted by Dean Ronald Mendoza of the Ateneo School of Government, Drilon said the study shows three provinces in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) as among the poorest in Mindanao. This includes the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, and Sulu.

He said the study "clearly shows the relation between poverty and political dynasty."

The draft BBL, which is currently in the plenary for deliberation, seeks to replace the current ARMM.

He also pointed to Mendoza's study that reveals 81 percent of governors, 78 percent of congressmen, 69 percent of mayors and 57 percent of vice mayors come from political clans.

Drilon is one of the principal authors of an anti-dynasty bill in the Senate.

Drilon said judging from the responses of resource persons during the public hearings on Charter Change, Filipinos expressed preference for Congress to pass the anti-political dynasty law before proceeding with amending the Constitution that will pave the way for a shift to federalism.

"There is a growing appeal for Congress to pass the enabling law that will ban or regulate political dynasty in the country, as stated under the 1987 Constitution before amending the Constitution to shift to a federal form of government," said Drilon in a statement.

"Ultimately, any proposal to amend or revise the Constitution will be submitted to the people for ratification. Hence, it behooves the proponents and supporters of Charter Change and federalism to listen to the demands of the people," Drilon stressed.

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

Drilon concluded that even legal luminaries have called for the passage of an anti-political dynasty law, including former Chief Justice Reynato Puno, who heads the consultative body tasked by the President to review the 1987 Constitution, and former Chief Justice Hilario Davide.

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