Political Dynasties under 1987 Constitution
The following Articles of our Constitution on Tenure of Office and political dynasties, do exist.
* Article II State Policies, Section 26 – The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.
* Article VII, Executive Department, Section 13 – The President, Vice President, the members of the Cabinet, and their deputies or assistants shall not, unless otherwise provided in this constitution, hold any other office or employment during their tenure. they shall not, during said tenure, directly or indirectly practice any other profession, participate in any business, or be financially interested in any contract with, or in any franchise, or special privilege granted by the government or any subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof, including Government owned or controlled corporations or their subsidiaries. They shall strictly avoid conflict of interest in the conduct of their office.
The spouse and relatives by consanguinity or affinity within the fourth degree of the President shall not during his tenure be appointed as members of the Constitutional Commissions, or the Office of the Ombudsman or as Secretaries, undersecretaries, chairman or heads of bureaus or offices, including government owned or controlled corporations and their subsidiaries.
Dr. Salvador Araneta’s Bayanikasan calls for necessary, though idealistic features, regarding parameters in good governance. They are as follows:
Tenure of office: All administrations in all levels in government shall be for six years. No person, who has served in any capacity, in any level of government, during one administration, is allowed to serve in a non-career office of the following administration.
Prohibitions: No person shall hold public office to enrich himself outside his official compensation. Neither can he hold two or more public offices. This prohibition and disqualification shall extend to the spouse, thereof. All persons serving in any capacity in the government shall give their full time to the service of the government and shall not engage in business or in the practice of their previous professions. However, they must be adequately compensated.
Penalty: Public officials found guilty of graft and corruption shall pay a fine double the amount of the subject of his offense, serve a prison term to be defined by law, and suffer total and perpetual disqualification as a voter and as a government employee or official or civil service eligible.
Transparency: Before they take their oath of office, public officials shall sign an irrevocable power of attorney in favor of the government so that the latter may confiscate any illegal funds acquired.
Prayer for Our Country
Come Holy Spirit, in these days of darkness where evil abounds and innocents are harmed,
Grant our leaders a new spirit, Give them clean hearts and pure minds, Let them be guided by your gift of wisdom, good counsel, fortitude, knowledge of good and evil, piety, and fear of the Lord.
Send your armies of angels, to stop the killings, the harassment, and the brutality that face the poor. In their helplessness, be the force to stop the work of Satan,
Free our brothers and sisters from the bondage of poverty shield them from Satan and his cohorts. bring out the best in people, in law-enforcers and in our lawmakers. In your kindness, give them joys that last, justice, so they may be blessed with peace. Give them good health, good jobs, and a bright future.
Let their hopes rest in you, dearest Mother Mary. Embrace them always with your mantle of love and protection.
May all Filipinos and all men live in peace and harmony, sharing their joys and suffering their richness and their compassion.
Remember dearest Mother, that those who come to you are never turned away. Protect our country from all dangers so we may all enjoy the blessings of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity.
All these we ask through your Son, Jesus Christ Our Lord, Amen. (To be continued/PN)
