MANILA, Philippines — A bill advocating meritocracy in government appointments and promotions and seeking to stamp out political patronage has been filed at the House of Representatives, to dismantle the padrino system in Philippine governance.
Rep. Robert Nazal of Bagong Henerasyon party-list authored House Bill 242 or the proposed “Gobyernong Walang Padrino Act.”
“The so-called padrino system, wherein appointments, promotions and contracts are secured through political connections rather than qualifications, has entrenched mediocrity, stifled innovation, and perpetrated a culture of dependency, corruption and impunity,” he said.
Nazal said an Anti-Padrino Oversight Unit (APOU) should be established under the Civil Service Commission, which shall be tasked to impose severe penalties on violators, including dismissals, disqualifications and imprisonment.
Penalties of up to P10 million in fines and 10 years of imprisonment will be filed against appointing authorities who knowingly act on non-meritorious or politically motivated endorsements.
The APOU will also conduct audits, investigate complaints and recommend administrative or criminal charges against erring officials and private individuals who attempt to manipulate public appointments for personal or partisan gain.
The measure prohibits the use of political endorsements in any appointment or promotion process and mandates all government agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations, local government units, state universities and even government-funded programs to adopt competitive, competency-based hiring and promotion procedures.
“Talented Filipinos are left on the sidelines while the privileged few leapfrog through the bureaucracy simply because they know the right people,” he said.
“This bill is about restoring faith in government. It is a commitment to the Filipino people that public service is not a reward for loyalty, but a responsibility entrusted to those who are most qualified. It is a bold step toward building a bureaucracy that is professional, impartial and truly in service of the public, not of padrinos,” Nazal said.