The Anti-Political Dynasty Bill could be considered the best Christmas gift for Filipinos, according to Rep. Nathan Oducado of the 1Tahanan party-list. He urged lawmakers to help pass it.
According to Oducado, dynastic politics leads to corruption at various levels of government. It is necessary to show that public office is not a family business, especially for those in power today. Although not all members of the political dynasty are corrupt, it is important to pass legislation to show that they are taking action against the problem.
Oducado proposed a limit on the number of politicians who can be related by family, up to the second degree of kinship, for both local governments. According to him, any measure that limits political dynasties is a win in the fight against corruption.
For Rep. Chel Diokno of the Akbayan party-list, it would be good for President Marcos to declare the anti-dynasty bill as “urgent.” This is a step to prove that the government is serious about fighting corruption.
At the same time, Rep. Leila de Lima filed HB 6626 or the Anti-Illicit Enrichment and Anti-Illicit Transfer Act, which would provide a new way to fight corruption. According to De Lima, it is easier to prove than the plunder law and will help in more effective accountability of government officials.