ILOILO — Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. has expressed support for an anti-political dynasty law but stressed that its effectiveness will largely depend on how Congress defines what constitutes a “political dynasty”.
Vague provisions could weaken the measure, he warned.
Defensor said the filing of anti-dynasty bills is a welcome development, noting that the matter has long been mandated by the Constitution but has repeatedly failed to advance in Congress.
He pointed out, however, that clarity in definition is crucial before lawmakers move toward its passage.
He recalled that during his time as a congressman, an anti-dynasty measure was among the bills filed to comply with Constitution, but none prospered.
Defensor acknowledged that now, similar measures carry more weight as banning political dynasties has been identified by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as one of his four priority bills.
“In principle we always support an anti-dynasty law,” said Defensor. “But ano ang definition niya sina? Ano na sia? What is a political dynasty? Whatever anti-dynasty bill is there, of course it should always be within the parameters of the Constitution,” stressed Defensor, a lawyer.
At present, two members of the Defensor family hold elective posts in Iloilo — Governor Defensor and 3rd District’s Cong. Lorenz Defensor. Both are sons of former governor and congressman Arthur Defensor Sr.
Cong. Lorenz Defensor likewise expressed support for the passage of an anti-dynasty law, regardless of the versions emerging. He called for thorough deliberations.
“I will support the passage of an anti-dynasty bill,” he told Panay News, adding, “let us have the deliberations so we can decide what is the most appropriate.”
Cong. Lorenz Defensor concurrently serves as Senior Deputy Majority Leader of the 20th Congress.
Former 2nd District congressman Michael Gorriceta also voiced support for an anti-dynasty measure, even as he admitted he has yet to see the bills filed.
Gorriceta’s wife Kathy succeeded him as 2nd District representative in the Lower House in July this year. He is a son of the late congressman Arcadio Gorriceta and a cousin of incumbent Pavia, Iloilo mayor Luigi Gorriceta.
Earlier,
For her part, Vice Gov. Nathalie Ann Debuque said her family is prepared to comply should Congress pass a law limiting relatives from simultaneously holding elective posts.
But she clarified: “Indi ‘ni namon inheritance. Indi man ‘ni palangabuhian namon ang politika. We do this because we enjoy (public service).”
At present, three members of the Debuque family hold elective or ex-officio posts. Aside from Debuque, her mother Ma. Teresa is the mayor of Anilao town and her sister Amalia Victoria Debuque is a barangay captain concurrently serving as Liga ng mga Barangay provincial president and ex-officio member in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
Debuque insisted that electoral mandate, not family ties, keeps them in office.
“Kami nagabakas tungod kabaraslan na sa tawo. Daku n’i nga prebelihiyo nga duha gid kami sang utod ko nagapungko sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan pero makahambal kami nga kon ano man ang responsibilidad nga ginhatag sa amon sang probinsya sang Iloilo, ginabalusan gid namon sang maayo nga serbisyo,” she added.
The 4th District’s Cong. Ferjenel Biron said he would back anti-dynasty measures as part of the House leadership’s obligation to support the President’s priority bills.
“Since I’m part of the leadership of the House, I have to support all priority measures of PBBM including the anti-dynasty bill,” Biron said, while cautioning that lawmakers must still clearly define what constitutes a political dynasty.
Three other Biron family members hold elective posts. Biron’s son Braeden John is the mayor of Dumangas while another son, Bryant Paul, is the mayor of Barotac Nuevo. The vice mayor of Barotac Nuevo is Hernan Jr., younger brother of the congressman.
First District’s Cong. Janette Garil said the Garin clan is throwing full support behind anti-political dynasty measures, specifically those filed by House Speaker Faustino “Bodjie” Dy III and Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos.
According to Garin, the measure, though “imperfect,” is a necessary response to mounting public demand for political reform.
Garin said the renewed push for an anti-dynasty measure reflects changing political realities and growing public intolerance for perceived abuses of power, even among officials who themselves come from political families.
“Times are changing. And admittedly, abuses have happened in some aspects,” she said.
Garin’s husband Richard is the mayor of Miag-ao town.
Richard’s sister Jennifer is the mayor of adjacent Guimbal town whose vice mayor is also a sibling, Kristine who previously served as vice governor./PN
