Marcos urged: Certify anti-dynasty bill

MANILA, Philippines — Coming from a political family himself, President Marcos can prove his sincerity in fighting corruption by certifying as urgent the anti-political dynasty bill in the House, according to Akbayan party-list Rep. Chel Diokno.

“President Marcos should prove that his fight against corruption is not lip service by certifying House Bill 5905 as urgent,” Diokno said during anti-corruption protests in Metro Manila over the weekend.

Relatives of incumbent elected officials, up to the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity, will be prohibited from holding or running for public office if HB 5905 is enacted.

“Political clans have abused our processes that always end up in anomalies. It is about time that we abolish these political dynasties and put an end to such,” Diokno stressed.

Diokno also urged Congress to pass Joint Resolution 2 to ensure that the bicameral conference committee deliberations on the national budget will be open to the public.

Protesters have called for the return of ill-gotten wealth as state officials, contractors and engineers have been implicated in anomalous flood control deals, budget insertions and kickbacks.

“The reason why insertions were made in last year’s budget process was precisely because the bicam was held behind closed doors,” Diokno said.