Gloria Macapagal Arroyo seeks penalty vs ‘political turncoatism’

MANILA, Philippines — House Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is seeking the strengthening of political party system by penalizing “political turncoatism.”

Arroyo filed House Bill 488, which states that the political party system in the country is “basically confined to personalities rather than issues and political platform.”

“Our history tells us that political parties in the Philippines are normally used only as political vehicles to win an election. Hence, most political aspirants change political parties for convenience, rather than because of conviction,” the bill’s explanatory note reads.

The measure underscored that “this only shows the lack of ideological commitment to the members of a party because they choose parties based on the rise and fall of the tide of opportunity.”

“Turncoatism should never be encouraged nor tolerated since it only distorts the concept of word of honor and dignity of a leader,” it stated.

Arroyo is proposing that political turncoats be “deemed to have forfeited their elective office if they change their political party affiliation one year before and one year after any national elections.”

The penalties also include disqualification from running for any elective posts in the next succeeding elections “immediately following the act of changing political party affiliation and refund of “any and all” amount received from former political parties plus a 25-percent surcharge.