Written by Johanna M. Sampan Reporter Published on 23 October 2012
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/top-stories/33797-comelec-to-voters-reject-political-dynasties-in-2013
IF Filipinos really want to stop political dynasties, voters should reject candidates related to politicians, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said on Monday.
Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. said that dumping the children, spouses, siblings and other relatives of incumbent politicians in next year’s elections is the fastest way to end political dynasties since doing so through a people’s initiative is tedious and costly.
“Ang sinasabi ko lang, hindi na ito aabot sa 2013, itong anti-dynasty initiative. But it has to start now in time for 2016 [elections],” Brillantes told reporters.
His statement came a day after he suggested the use of the people’s initiative in the bid to outlaw political dynasties instead of going to the Supreme Court to order the Comelec to ban dynasties.
Comelec spokesman James Jimenez pointed out that the people can control the continued dominance of political dynasties.
“Ultimately, it’s the voter who will decide whether the same family name, same family member will keep on cropping out with the winning circle. There is nothing we can do about it unless a law is passed,” Jimenez said in a separate interview.
Earlier, Louis “Barok” Biraogo, a taxpayer, asked the High Court to compel the Comelec to outlaw political dynasties in a petition for mandamus.
Last April, the Ang Kapatiran party filed a petition at the Comelec