Robredo: Dynasty bill may be passed yet

ORMOC CITY, Philippines — The House anti-dynasty bill can still be passed before the 2016 elections, but “walang sigurado,” according to Camarines Sur Representative Leni Robredo, who was in this city yesterday.

Robredo talked to students about good governance and inducted new members of the KAABAG Ormoc (Kalihukan Alang sa Bag-ong Ormoc), a local advocacy group, which invited her to the event.

The anti-dynasty bill was among President Benigno Aquino III’s priority legislations aired during his last State of the Nation Address, so Robredo was hoping Congress will pass it in time.

The bill, which she co-authored, is now on second reading, She said her bill prohibits relatives (up to the fourth degree of consanguinity and affinity) of candidates—already in position—from running for any elective post.

Robredo admitted there were “compromises” raised by other congressmen, such as applying the ban to the first degree of relations, affecting the spouse, parents and children only, but allowing siblings to run. Another concession was to allow up to two family members to be elected into office, she said.

Robredo however said she would be sticking to her original bill. “I will be against (compromises) and will stand by my version,” although she admitted the law in a “watered down version” might be passed. “You know how it is in Congress. You aim for 10, you will have to be contented with two or three, but it is an important first step rather than having none at all.”

Meanwhile, Robredo, who was reportedly being courted to be Mar Roxas’s vice presidential bet, declared she was neither gunning for nor toying with the idea. “It is not in the horizon,” she said, adding that she might run for senator instead under the Liberal Party, but only if the numbers are good otherwise she will go for reelection as House representative. — Lalaine M. Jimenea (FREEMAN)