Binay sees nothing wrong with political dynasty

MANILA -- Even members of political clans can serve the public as long as they have the capability to do so, Vice President Jejomar said in response to criticism that the 2013 elections will still be a fight among influential surnames.

Binay’s daughter Nancy is a last-minute addition to the senatorial line-up of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) while his son Junjun is seeking a second term as mayor of Makati City, the country’s financial center.

Another daughter, Abigail, is an incumbent congresswoman.

“In America, you have the Kennedys. Did you ever hear them being accused of a dynasty? It’s only here that the issue of a political dynasty is given much weight,” Binay said in a chance interview.

The late President John F. Kennedy, one of the United States’ most popular leaders, was known to have relatives in politics such as brother Robert Kennedy, a former senator.

Nonetheless, Binay said it is up to the public whether they will give political families a chance to serve again.

“Borrowing from the legal maxim salus populi et suprema lex, the will of the people shall prevail,” the Vice President said.

Besides Binay, some candidates for senator are relatives of the incumbent legislators. They are Aurora Representative Juan Edgardo Angara (son of Senator Edgardo Angara), Cagayan Representative Jack Enrile (son of Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile) and San Juan City Representative JV Ejercito (brother of Senate President Pro-Tempore Jinggoy Estrada).

President Benigno Aquino III, meanwhile, fielded his cousin Bam Aquino.

Article II Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution bars the establishment of political dynasties but there remains no law providing guidelines as to how the provision will be implemented. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)