The National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) has declared its conditional support for a legislative measure aimed at curbing political dynasties in the Philippines. The election watchdog emphasized that its backing hinges on the bill containing genuine and effective provisions to dismantle family-based political monopolies.
Namfrel's Specific Conditions for Support
In a recent statement, Namfrel clarified that a meaningful anti-dynasty law must include clear prohibitions. The organization insists the law should ban relatives within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity from simultaneously holding elective positions within the same province or city. This would prevent immediate family members from dominating local government seats at the same time.
Furthermore, Namfrel stated the legislation must prevent close family members from succeeding one another in the same elected position without at least one intervening term where neither holds the office. This provision aims to break the automatic succession of power from one family member to another.
These restrictions, according to Namfrel, must be applied consistently across all levels of government, from the barangay up to national positions. The group argues that this comprehensive approach is non-negotiable for the law to have its intended effect.
The Fight Against Corruption and Patronage
Namfrel directly linked the prevalence of political dynasties to systemic governance issues. "This is essential to breaking the corruption-politics nexus that has captured Philippine governance," the group asserted in its statement.
The watchdog explained that when family members control multiple government positions, it hampers anti-corruption efforts. "Political dynasties perpetuate patronage networks, limit political competition, and create conditions conducive to corruption by consolidating resources and power within family networks," Namfrel detailed.
Drawing from its long-term observations, Namfrel concluded that many accountability and corruption problems in Philippine governance can be traced back to political processes dominated by elite interests, both local and national.
Alignment with Presidential Call for Action
This development follows a recent appeal from President Bongbong Marcos Jr., who urged lawmakers to prioritize the passage of four key legislative measures, including the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill. The proposed law seeks to prohibit relatives of incumbent officials from succeeding them or holding concurrent positions, especially within the same locality.
By adding its voice to the call, Namfrel provides significant civil society weight to the push for this political reform. The group's conditional support underscores the critical need for a law with teeth—one that genuinely opens the political arena and weakens the structures that enable corruption.
