There is a growing public consciousness about the evils of political dynasties. Groups have been organized to dissuade voters not to elect those who already have relatives in public office. Well and good—but, their efforts will be lost in the welter of activities as the day of voting approaches.
What we need is for the candidates themselves to declare orally and in writing the following:
1. They have no relatives, within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity, occupying elective positions or running for office in the 2013 elections.
2. They are not facing criminal or civil charges before any court of law; neither are they facing any administrative charge before any government entity.
3. They have not been convicted of any crime or administrative offense in the past.
4. They are college graduates.
5. They have served the country with their achievements which they should enumerate in their campaign sorties and advertising materials.
6. They have no pending application for citizenship in any foreign country.
7. They are not facing any suit in a foreign country.
8. They are natural-born citizens of the Philippines.
By way of making these assertions, they should swear by these facts in public meetings during their campaign and cause these to be published in national and local newspapers, including campaign materials.
The public is advised to react to these claims, especially if a candidate’s pronouncements are doubtful or untrue.
I also challenge any and all candidates for public office, to declare that they are not willing to receive any money through the “pork barrel,” which comes under various guises in Congress, provincial boards, city and municipal councils. They should also vow not to receive money from office savings. All these promises should be made in public and in writing. These requirements should be a must for all candidates in the 2013, 2016 and all future elections.
—APOLONIO G. RAMOS
42 Mindanao St., Marikina City