Social Reform, Democracy and Political Dynasties

As prominent political families have started revealing their plans and ambitions for the next electoral exercises, it would seem that political dynasties would most likely dominate the scene once again. While the fundamental law of the land, the 1987 Philippine Constitution, states that “the State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law”, the passage of an anti-political dynasty law has yet to be triumphantly made by Congress. The prospects of such triumph happening have been dismal since 1987, with Congress passing over several anti-dynasty bills that have already been proposed.

Political dynasties weaken the mechanism of checks and balances both in the local and national political scenario, and allow corruption, abuse of power and poverty to thrive. For as long as the passage of such a law is not taken seriously and considered a priority by the legislature, we cannot expect real, substantial reforms in our country’s political and economic life.

The non-regulation of these dynasties also continues to undermine our democracy, since it hampers inclusivity in our democratic processes. But with the Philippine Congress holding the record of having the highest number of politicians coming from local political dynasties, the passage of an anti-dynasty law would be an uphill climb. Strong and committed advocates from civil society groups have to step in and align themselves with other international bodies that advocate for the strengthening of democratic institutions.

We owe it to our citizens to provide them with competent leaders outside of political dynasties capable of contributing to governance.

Let us pass an anti-dynasty law once and for all.

QUOTATION FOR THE WEEK:

“IN A DEMOCRACY, DYNASTY POLITICS IS WRONG, WE NEED TO FREE THE STATE AND THE NATION FROM IT.”

-Nanendra Modi

FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE:

“DO NOTHING OUT OF SELFISH AMBITION OR VAIN CONCEIT”

-Philippians 2:3