Fragments by Art Verdiano I had the chance to watch the Senate hearing discussing the possible inclusion of an anti-dynasty provision ...
Fragments
by Art Verdiano
I had the chance to watch the Senate hearing discussing the possible inclusion of an anti-dynasty provision in the Bangsamoro Basic Law or BBL on cable television. The coverage was live and featured resource speakers from the academe. To be frank, it has been a while since I last enjoyed watching a legislative enquiry “in aid of legislation.” We all know that as of late, such events have become an arena for grandstanding, mudslinging, and too much politicking.
Ateneo School of Government Dean Dr. Ronald Mendoza presented a study discussing the correlation between political dynasties and poverty here in our country. He stated that “fat” political dynasties, or those clans which has more than two family member occupying government offices, is one of the reason for the worsening poverty situation especially in poor areas. This is because there is basically no check-and-balance. Who will “watch”, let’s say - the mayor - if the governor, congressman, councilor and even barangay chairmen are all his relatives. Thus, we say, “Sila-sila na lang din naman ang mga nasa pwesto.”
I think each and every Filipino knows of situations like this. A single clan holds power through the sheer number of elected officials belonging to their family. It is prevalent throughout the land even though there is a provision in the Constitution banning the same. Article II, Section 26 provides: “The State shall guarantee equal access to public service and prohibit political dynasty as may be defined by law.”
But here also lies the caveat. There is no implementing law as of the moment prohibiting the same except in Sangguniang Kabataan elections. Every proposed law has been killed in the halls of Congress, which is not surprising since most legislators belong to political clans.
Former Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago noted that Philippine society revolves around the system of extended families. And while the values of extended families may be beneficial, it is only proper when applied to the social aspects of human behavior. It is an entirely different matter when there will be a monopoly of political power which leads to “blood is thicker than water” when it comes to the utilization of public resources and political favors.
Lawmakers opposed to the anti-dynasty provision pointed out that political dynasties are natural and will die a natural death if the clan does not serve its constituents well. They also say that being the relative of an incumbent does not guarantee winnability in the next election. But Dr. Mendoza pointed out that while this is true, fat political dynasties are often replaced only by other political dynasties. There is also that system of “utang na loob.” When you have more elected officials in your clan, there is power to appoint/hire a larger number of people into government positions who will be indebted and reelect members of your clan.
Let us see what will happen about this anti-dynasty in the provision. But from what I have observed, people care more about debt of gratitude than electing a deserving candidate. A law banning political dynasty will make it easier for us to choose a wider array of aspiring public officials.
Ateneo School of Government Dean Dr. Ronald Mendoza presented a study discussing the correlation between political dynasties and poverty here in our country. He stated that “fat” political dynasties, or those clans which has more than two family member occupying government offices, is one of the reason for the worsening poverty situation especially in poor areas. This is because there is basically no check-and-balance. Who will “watch”, let’s say - the mayor - if the governor, congressman, councilor and even barangay chairmen are all his relatives. Thus, we say, “Sila-sila na lang din naman ang mga nasa pwesto.”
I think each and every Filipino knows of situations like this. A single clan holds power through the sheer number of elected officials belonging to their family. It is prevalent throughout the land even though there is a provision in the Constitution banning the same. Article II, Section 26 provides: “The State shall guarantee equal access to public service and prohibit political dynasty as may be defined by law.”
But here also lies the caveat. There is no implementing law as of the moment prohibiting the same except in Sangguniang Kabataan elections. Every proposed law has been killed in the halls of Congress, which is not surprising since most legislators belong to political clans.
Former Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago noted that Philippine society revolves around the system of extended families. And while the values of extended families may be beneficial, it is only proper when applied to the social aspects of human behavior. It is an entirely different matter when there will be a monopoly of political power which leads to “blood is thicker than water” when it comes to the utilization of public resources and political favors.
Lawmakers opposed to the anti-dynasty provision pointed out that political dynasties are natural and will die a natural death if the clan does not serve its constituents well. They also say that being the relative of an incumbent does not guarantee winnability in the next election. But Dr. Mendoza pointed out that while this is true, fat political dynasties are often replaced only by other political dynasties. There is also that system of “utang na loob.” When you have more elected officials in your clan, there is power to appoint/hire a larger number of people into government positions who will be indebted and reelect members of your clan.
Let us see what will happen about this anti-dynasty in the provision. But from what I have observed, people care more about debt of gratitude than electing a deserving candidate. A law banning political dynasty will make it easier for us to choose a wider array of aspiring public officials.
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