Constitutional reform s: Political party system, political dynasty
LINGAYEN – The Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Center for Federalism recently held a roadshow to inform Pangasinenses on the relevant features of a planned constitutional reform and solicited views.
A salient feature of the proposed political and electoral reform provisions to the 1987 Constitution being pushed by the Center for Federalism and Constitutional Reform (CFCR) involves the strengthening of the political party system to give chance to the lesser-known public.
Prof. Jose Ramon Casiple, said amendment to the Constitution has become necessary for it to create an immediate impact to the Filipino people and cited the need of the political party system and imposing restrictions on political dynasties.
By strengthening the political party, he said, leaders produced will not be based on power or political clans.
The professor said the party can raise funds for a candidate as long as the concept is transparent. Contributions can come from individual citizens but the party is restricted from accepting donations or contributions coming from illegal trade, jueteng, drug lords, syndicates, religious groups, foreign entities and corporations.
“Because it (party fund) will be a public fund, it will be audited by the Commission on Audit and a proper identification as to who the donor is, how much was donated and where the money was spent will be scrutinized,” he added.
Another provision is the restriction on changing political parties to avoid monopoly.
Casiple believes that the provision calling for the restriction on dynasties will be a long talk in Congress as 80 percent of the representatives are members of political dynasties, according to the CoRe survey.
The amendment dictates that the incumbent cannot be succeeded by a family member within the second degree of consanguinity, so husband and wife tandem or parent and child tandem in the mayoralty and vice-mayoralty race are also prohibited in the provision because they are in the same jurisdiction.
The Center for Federalism and Constitutional Reform (CORE) is showcasing the New Bayanihan Constitution that will introduce political party reform and the anti-dynasty commission, and the open economy for all, among these to outspan Metro Manila. (PIA Pangasinan)
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