Palace: Passing anti-political dynasty bill sans review ‘for optics’

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency

Malacañang on Friday said rushing the passage of the anti-political dynasty bill without undergoing a thorough review is “for optics only.”

The statement was issued in response to claims that not certifying the priority bill as urgent is mere optics.

“So, ang pagpapautos ba or rather request na araling mabuti bago magsagawa at maipasa ang batas na ito ay pang optics lang? Hindi ba ang nais natin ay magandang batas? Hindi minamadali,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing.

“Ang pagmamadali sa paggawa ng batas pero kulang, iyan po ang para sa optics lang,” she added.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed Congress to prioritize the anti-political dynasty bill, along with three other measures, to promote transparency, accountability and fair governance.

Castro said the anti-political dynasty bill should not be passed in haste, stressing the need to address possible loopholes.

“Mas maganda po na maayos ito. Hindi dapat madaliin para pag ito ay naipasa walang loopholes, walang grey area,” she said.

The anti-dynasty bill prohibits individuals from running for or holding public office if they have a relative up to the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity who is an incumbent official at the national or local level.