EDITORIAL - Realistic goals

Among the 24 incumbent senators, 21 reportedly have relatives occupying elective or appointive positions in government or who are members of their staff. This is raising questions on the fate of the anti-dynasty bill, which the chamber is set to tackle.

The constitutional provision against political dynasties has been waiting for an enabling law for nearly three decades now. Since the Constitution was  ratified  in 1987, not only have lawmakers   ignored  the  provision;  dynasty building is reaching atrociously shameless proportions.

These days, the sorry state of affairs begs for a new term. It’s no longer dynasty building when siblings and half-siblings sit together in a 24-member Senate, and parents and children sit in the same chamber. More relatives occupy elective and appointive local positions not only in their home turfs but wherever they can claim one-year residency prior to the elections. The call in the previous administration to moderate one’s greed would be appropriate here.

Juan de la Cruz is an ideal employer, with pockets so deep there’s little risk of bankruptcy, even when officials show up for work merely to collect their paychecks and perks. Despite a shame campaign against epal or credit-grabbing officials, those incapable of feeling shame continue to claim as personal accomplishments projects funded with taxpayers’ money. There is little accountability in the use of public funds, and there is no guarantee that the pork barrel scandal will change this.

Family fortunes have been built on perpetuating political dynasties. Are lawmakers prepared to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs? Moderating greed is a more realistic target. Limits can be set on direct succession to the same office and the number of relatives that can occupy elective and appointive positions within a major city, province or congressional district.

There can be a ban on relatives serving as mayor, vice mayor and councilors at the same time, since this is unhealthy for the system of checks and balances and can engender corruption. The vice mayor presides over the city or municipal council, which exercises oversight on official acts of the mayor.

Many people want their children to follow in their footsteps. But this should not be at the expense of democratic institutions, which are undermined by families wanting to wield perpetual control over power and opportunities for creating wealth. If realistic goals are set, it’s possible to pass  an anti-dynasty law that can actually be implemented.