Palace: Let voters decide on political dynasties

MANILA – Malacañang said on Saturday that it would be up to the voters to discourage so-called political dynasties in the country.

During the weeklong filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the 2013 elections last October 1 to 5, it was evident that most of those who will seek government posts came from a few known families occupying state positions in the country.

In an interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte clarified that the Palace was not defending political dynasties.

"It's not that we're defending it, but what we're telling you is that it is usually, it is normally up to the voters because we cannot deny that these (dynasties) really exist," she said.

While the Constitution prohibits political dynasties, Valte acknowledged that there is no enabling law on the matter.

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

Asked if Malacañang is ready to include the anti-dynasty measure in the list of the priority bills for the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac), Valte said, "we will consult with the President on this particular issue."

Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino IV and Margarita "Tingting" Cojuangco, a cousin and auntie, respectively of President Benigno Aquino III, are among those who will run for senator in 2013 polls.

Other personalities who will be seeking the senatorial posts for next year and who have incumbent relative-officials in government include reelectionist Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, brother of Senator Pia Cayetano; Nancy Binay, daughter of Vice President Jejomar Binay and sister of Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay; former Las Pinas City Representative Cynthia Villar, wife of Senator Manuel Villar; Aurora Representative Sonny Angara, son of Senator Edgardo Angara; and San Juan City Representative JV Ejercito, brother of Senator Jinggoy Estrada and son of former president Joseph Estrada, who is running for mayor in Manila. (SDR/Sunnex)