Duterte says anti-dynasty restriction of freedom of individual

December 14, 2017

President Rodrigo Duterte has expressed opposition on the passage of an anti-dynasty bill as this could restrict freedom of an individual.

Duterte acknowledged  he also belongs to a political dynasty, beginning with his father who became a governor of Davao province.

"I cannot fathom about dynasty...this dynasty, it's a restriction of the freedom of an individual, not a people, a choice who would be their leaders," he said in a speech before the members of his PDP-Laban party in Pasay City on Wednesday night.

Duterte noted that his daughter, Sara Duterte-Carpio, is mayor of Davao City, and his son, Paolo, is the vice mayor of the same city.

The 1987 Constitution provides the State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service and prohibit political  dynasties as may be defined by law.

However, Congress has failed to pass yet an enabling law that prohibits political dynasties. This was apparently due to the fact that many lawmakers belong to so-called political dynasties. Celerina Monte/DMS