Senator Risa Hontiveros is pushing for the passage of an Anti-Political Dynasty Law, saying stronger accountability for officials accused of corruption could also help improve the country’s investment climate.
Hontiveros made the call during a hearing of the Senate’s Special Committee on Reinvigorate Investment and Sustainable Economic Growth (RISE), where former Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo discussed governance issues affecting investor confidence.
Guinigundo said investors need to see that the justice system and rule of law are working, citing the dominance of political dynasties and what he described as a “culture of impunity” as among the problems.
“I hope that the Senate and the House of Representatives will soon pass a genuine Anti-Political Dynasty Law … Kung ito po ay maa-address, tanggalin natin ang dominance ng mga political dynasties, it can make a dent in our efforts to stamp out red-tape and even corruption,” he said.
Guinigundo also called for the prosecution of high-ranking officials involved in corruption and misuse of public funds, saying this could help address the “chilling effect” on investments.
Hontiveros, who previously sponsored the Senate version of the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill, said the Senate would seek Malacañang’s certification of the measure as urgent.
“Tama na ang 39 taon ng paghihintay. The Constitution mandates this law and the Supreme Court has reminded us of its importance,” she said.
The senator also called on the Department of Justice and the Office of the Ombudsman to expand efforts against public officials involved in corruption, particularly those holding high positions.
“Ang pondong para sa proteksyon laban sa baha, dapat napapakinabangan ng mga komunidad. We have to make clear to the business community, and the whole country: our institutions work, our laws apply equally, and that contracts and commitments are actually followed,” Hontiveros said.
The Senate’s plan to seek an urgent tag for the anti-dynasty bill was reported following the Sept. 24 hearing, while the Supreme Court has separately directed Congress to enact an anti-political dynasty law.IMT
