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The principal sponsor of the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill at the House of Representatives said the bill may also cover common-law partners, paramours or “kabit,” as well as children out of wedlock.
Representative Fredenil Castro said, “Ang mga kabit, considered as affinity, within the meaning of the law na parang first degree relative.”
Castro also said the proposed law won’t make a distinction between and among warring family members.
“‘Yung magkakamag-anak o magka-away, they are facing disqualifications. Lahat sila, madi-disqualify kung hindi sila susunod sa batas na dalawa lang ang maaring tumakbo at manungkulan sa gobyerno,” he said.
His proposal prohibits more than two members of the same family up to the 2nd civil degree of consangunity (blood relative) or affinity (marriage) from holding public office.
Castro believes the proposed law may even pave the way for warring families to patch-up their relationships.
“Itong batas, maaring maging instrumento ng pagbabalikan ng magkakamag-anak, magkakamabutihan ulit. Otherwise, madi-disqualify silang lahat,” he said.
He even jokingly said, “Bayaan mo sila. Para kung mabawasan sila pagkatapos ng patayan, qualified na yung iba.”
Castro also denied that the bill is aimed at any political family, particularly the Binays.
Aside from Vice President Jejomar Binay, his children – Abigail Binay, Jejomar Erwin, and Nancy – are all in public office.
Catro pointed out: “I’d like to explain that the anti-political dynasty [provision] was conceived from the time the 1987 Constitution was drafted and ratified by the Filipino people. [The name of] Binay was not even heard of yet. Kung tatamaan [man siya], coincidence ng kanilang sitwasyon.”
Text: RG Cruz, ABS-CBN News
Photo: Gov.ph
This article has been re-published with permission from ABS-CBNnews.com.
