Anti-political dynasty bill nears House approval

MANILA, Philippines —  The country’s first Anti-Political Dynasty law is one step closer to being approved by the House of Representatives after lawmakers approved on second reading yesterday the measure that might finally put an end to political clans centralizing power in a province or local government unit.

House Deputy Speaker Yasser Balindong of Lanao del Sur’s second district, who was the presiding officer, banged the gavel as congressmen overwhelmingly approved via voice vote House Bill 8389 (Anti-Political Dynasty Act).

Critics say it actually institutionalizes dynasty building and have called for a real anti-dynasty law.

Retired Supreme Court associate justice Antonio Carpio and civil society groups are gathering signatures for a people’s initiative seeking the enactment of a genuine anti-political dynasty law.

Chairman George Garcia of the Commission on Elections, which will supervise any referendum on the outcome of the people’s initiative, welcomed the effort. – Michael Punongbayan, Christine Boton