Public urged to end political dynasties with people's initiative

MANILA -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Sunday encouraged the public to take it upon themselves to ban political dynasties.

Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes said that it would be best if the public would just draft their own law prohibiting political dynasties since they cannot expect lawmakers to do something detrimental to them.

"We really cannot expect congressmen to pass a bill that would have them as main target," said Brillantes in a phone interview.

"Thus, I think, it would be best if the public will use the people's initiative to pass an enabling law versus political dynasties," he further said.

Section 2, Article XVII of the Constitution provides that amendments to the Constitution may likewise be directly proposed by the people through initiative upon a petition of at least 12 percent of the total number of registered voters, of which every legislative district must be represented by at least three percent of the registered voters.

Just last week, a certain Louis Biraogo had filed a petition for mandamus asking the Supreme Court to compel the Comelec to outlaw political dynasties using the 1987 Philippine Constitution as basis.

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

Brillantes said they cannot do what Biraogo is asking the High Tribunal since they can only administer what is provided by the law.

"There is no enabling law that will allow us to prohibit political dynasties even if the Constitution provides for it… We need a law to do it," said the poll chief.

Brillantes said the commission will raise similar points in the position paper it is set to submit to the Supreme Court. (HDT/Sunnex)