3 out of 4 district reps part of political dynasty - study | ABS-CBN News | Latest Philippine Headlines, Breaking News, Video, Analysis, Features

3 out of 4 district reps part of political dynasty - study | ABS-CBN News | Latest Philippine Headlines, Breaking News, Video, Analysis, Features

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MANILA, Philippines - A total of 155 out of 228 district representatives in the 15th Congress of the Philippines are part of political dynasties.

This is according to a "democracy and inclusive growth" study by the Asian Institute of Management (AIM).

The study said that 67.7% constitute the share of legislators in the 15th Congress with kinship links to at least one legislator in the 12th, 13th, 14th or 15th Congresses, or at least one local government official elected in 2001, 2004, 2007 or 2010.

On the other hand, 144 or 62.9% of legislators in the 15th Congress have kinship links to at least one legislator from the 12th, 13th or 14th Congresses, or at least one local government official elected in 2001, 2004, or 2007.

A total of 84 (36.7%) legislators, on the other hand, have kinship links to at least one legislator from the 12th, 13th or 14th Congresses;

By political party, the Nacionalista Party has the largest number of lawmakers with dynasties, or about 81%.

This is followed by Lakas Kampi-CMD with 76%, Nationalist People's Coalition with 74%, and Liberal Party with 57%.

The Philippines also has more dynasties compared to the legislatures of Mexico, Japan, Argentina and the USA.

The study did not provide the names of the politicians.

This study is the basis of Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño's pitch for the passage of his version of the "Anti-epal bill,” which seeks to stop the
practice of public officials using government projects and programs to promote themselves and their political dynasties.

Casiño filed this bill in the 15th Congress under House Bill 2309.

Casiño said that unlike putting up temporary tarpaulins or signs, the naming of public places after oneself or one's relative is permanent and institutionalizes political patronage, making it a common practice among old and new political dynasties.

Casiño said such a measure, more than merely banning credit-grabbing signs, is needed to curb political dynasties in the country.

"With this souped up ‘Anti-epal’ bill, we hope that we can help democratize political power instead of keeping it concentrated in the hands of a few," he said. "We hope our colleagues in the House can see the importance and urgency of this measure."

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