MANILA — The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) expressed support to the recommendation of the Consultative Committee (Con-com) regulating political dynasties instead of banning them.
PPCRV chairperson Rene Sarmiento noted that the suggestion is also agreeable to the provision of the Constitution regarding political dynasties.
“It was a balanced and prudent decision. Regulating it and not totally banning it is, to me, consistent with Art. II, Sec. 26 of the 1987 Constitution which says “prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.” As may be defined by law” is encompassing to cover “regulation,” he said.
The PPCRV chief added that prohibiting political dynasties would deprive the country of talented and patriotic Filipinos who would like to serve the citizens of the nation.
“The country should not be completely deprived of talented and patriotic Filipinos, men and women of character, spirit-filled, who want to serve the people,” Sarmiento said.
On Monday, the committee headed by retired Chief Justice Renato Puno recommended to regulate political dynasty instead of totally getting rid of it.
The body, tasked to review the 1987 Constitution, voted to prohibit the succession of an incumbent official’s relatives, up to the second degree of consanguinity and affinity, from the presidential position down to the barangay level. ( Ferdinand Patinio/PNA)
