Drilon: SK Reform Act proves anti-dynasty law 'doable'

The signing into law of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Reform Act by President Benigno Aquino III, which contains a landmark provision prohibiting political dynasties, proves that the passage of an anti-political dynasty law is achievable in the near future, Senate President Franklin M. Drilon today said.

The Senate leader said that the new SK Reform Act or RA 10742 "is a great start towards finally realizing an Anti-Political Dynasty Law, the passage of which has been long overdue."

"We just saw that an anti-political dynasty provision is possible, so it may not be too far-fetched for us now to work on an anti-political dynasty bill as envisioned by our Constitution," Drilon said.

"This new law shows that there is a good chance that the Congress can pass a legislation which will execute the express policy of the 1987 Constitution on the prohibition of political dynasties," he added.

Section 26 of the Article 2 of the 987 Constitution provides that "the State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law."

Noting that the RA 1072 is the first Philippine law that in part realizes Section 26 of the Article 2 of the 1987 Constitution -which prohibits political dynasties, Drilon said that shielding the country's youth- oriented government posts from the influence of political dynasties was an important and necessary important electoral reform.

"Considering the sensitive and formative nature of the Sangguniang Kabataan in training future leaders across this nation, it is only apt that we remove them from the undemocratic aspects of public service in this country," Drilon said.

With this new development, Drilon urged other supporters of the anti-political dynasty law "to be even more emboldened in finally putting teeth to a law which will deepen our democratic practices and end dynastic and feudal tendencies in governance across the country."

The Senate Chief said he will remain among the biggest supporters of the initiative towards an anti-political dynasty law, and that "any measure in the Senate on the matter will enjoy the support of the Senate leadership."

In the Senate, a version of the anti-political dynasty law is in the works at the Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms, headed by Senator Koko Pimentel III.

Currently the third-highest official of the land, Drilon is also at present the highest -ranking Filipino public servant without a single immediate and extended family member in an elected position, except for a distant second cousin, Iloilo Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog.