Pass anti-dynasty law first before cha-cha: Bam

Senator Bam Aquino (Photo: Senate of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Bam Aquino on Thursday proposed that an anti-dynasty law should be enacted ahead efforts to amend the 1987 constitution as the country plans to shift to a federal form of government.

In a statement, Aquino said the passing of an anti-dynasty law is a confidence-building measure in the process, insisting that without the trust in the process and the people behind it, no Charter change will be accepted by the public.

“Intensified political dynasties, even warlordism in some areas might be a drawback of a federal form of government,” Aquino said, noting that an anti-dynasty law would enhance the public’s trust in the federal shift.

‘’The public needs the trust in the process and trust to the people behind the process. How do we make sure that this is for the people and not for the politician,’’ the senator said in mix English and Filipino during the Senate hearing on the proposals to amend the existing constitution.

Former Chief Justice Reynato Puno backed Aquino’s proposal, saying the existence of political dynasties is a problem that needs to be addressed by those pushing for federalism.

“As it is now, these political dynasties already possess so much power. If you go to federalism, you will not only be giving them so much power, but you will be giving them sovereign powers, and that is a no-no,” Puno said.

Earlier, Aquino expressed objection to the House’s move to convene Congress into a Constituent Assembly.

The House approved Resolution No. 9, which seeks to convene Congress into a Constituent Assembly that will introduce changes in the Charter.

Aquino believes that a process as important as a Constitutional Change cannot be rushed.

He added that if ever a change will be completed, a Constitutional Convention process would be more acceptable to the people than a Constituent Assembly composed of politicians.