- VP Sara suggests restrictions to address political dynasty
VICE PRESIDENT Sara Duterte has offered her perspective on how to tackle the contentious issue of political dynasties in the Philippines, suggesting a focus on regulating the candidacies of immediate family members.
During a recent interview, when asked about her formula for creating an effective anti-political dynasty law, VP Duterte emphasized the need to address the most common source of conflict within families involved in politics.
“Perhaps immediate family,” she stated. “I’m not sure if we can extend it to what degree, but initially, immediate family, because most of the time, the reason siblings fight is usually because they are in the same line. So, the very first step in addressing political dynasties is some sort of regulation on the candidacy of immediate family members per term or incumbent.”
VP Duterte’s suggestion highlights the prevalent issue of intra-family rivalries within political dynasties, often stemming from competing for the same positions.
By focusing on immediate family members, she believes a more targeted and effective approach can be implemented.
Her proposal to regulate the candidacies of immediate family members, specifically those related to a term-limited or incumbent official, aims to prevent the concentration of power within a single family unit.
This approach seeks to open up political opportunities for individuals outside these established dynasties.
The issue of political dynasties has long been a subject of debate in the Philippines, with critics arguing that it stifles political competition and perpetuates inequality.
VP Duterte’s perspective adds to the ongoing discussion, offering a specific and potentially more feasible approach to addressing the complex problem.
With over three decades of almost unbroken rule, the Duterte family is emblematic of the country’s democratic government and its perpetuation of political dynasty. The recent mid-term elections saw five Dutertes claiming landslide victories over their unlucky rivals.
According to the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism report, 113 mayors of 149 cities in the country belonged to political dynasties, and 33 won seats without family influence.
