Tulfo, Lacson lament absence of anti-political dynasty law
Rep. Erwin Tulfo (Senate PRIB file photo)
MANILA, Philippines — Senatorial candidate Erwin Tulfo blamed Congress for not actively acting on a measure that would eradicate political dynasties in the country, maintaining that the absence of such enable the ascendancy of certain clans in the government.
At the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas’ press conference on Tuesday, Tulfo was asked to comment on the his brother Ben, and three other members of the Tulfo clan on the grounds of
Tulfo said he was only made aware of the case by his barber because he did not receive a note nor a subpoena from the Commission on Elections.
“Siya po ang nagsabi na may nag file raw — na may isang Tatang na nag file ng kaso, disqualification sa aming magkakapatid. Tama naman daw po yung sinabi ni Tatang na sinacite raw po ang Article 2 Section 26 ng Constitution na ang sinasabi raw po ay prohibits political dynasty,” said Tulfo.
(He was the only one to tell me that there was a case filed. That there was a certain individual who filed a case of disqualification for us brothers. He said what the individual did was correct, citing Article 2 Section 6 of the Constitution which prohibits political dynasty.)
Article continues after this advertisementHe, however, pointed out that the petitioner has forgotten that there is no existing law that prohibits political dynasty in the Philippines.
Article continues after this advertisement“Kailangan po mayroong batas, unfortunately, hindi pa po kumikilos ang Kongreso at Senado,” said Tulfo.
(There needs to be a law, unfortunately, Congress hasn’t acted on it yet.)
“Yun po ang sinasabi roon. Kaya nga po, hanggat wala pa pong batas tayo ay meron po talagang mangyayaring ganito,” he emphasized.
(That’s what’s being said there. As long as there is no law, this will continue to happen.)
Tulfo said he would “defnitely support” a measure that would eradicate political dynasties in the country, adding that he is leaving it to their legal counsel to comment on the case filed against them.
Meanwhile, former Sen. Panfilo Lacson — who is seeking a Senate comeback – echoed Tulfo’s remarks, blaming the absence of a concrete measure on political dynasties for its continued existence.
“Paano mo maiimplementa e maliwanag ang Constitution [na] kailangan i-define by law ang political dynasty? Walang definition — so saan tayo magsisimula, 3rd degree, 2nd degree, 1st degree?” said Lacson. The former senator said he previously filed a measure against political dynasties, defining it as “second degree of affinity or consanguinity.”
(How can we implement if it’s clear in the Constitution that there should be a law defining a political dynasty? There’s no definition where we should start — 3rd degree, 2nd degree, or 1st degree?)
Lacson said he intends to refile the measure should he secure a Senate seat.
