President Rodrigo Duterte believes that political dynasties are not illegal unless the Constitution will be amended and ban its existence.
In a speech on Saturday, Duterte made the comment after noticing the names of Surigao Del Norte politicians bearing the same surname Matugas.
Duterte was referring to 1st District Rep. Francisco Jose Matugas II, Gov. Francisco Matugas ,and Provincial Administrator Sol Matugas.
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“You know, no offense intended, we are all the same,” Duterte said.
The chief executive’s children are also in politics including Congressman Paolo Duterte, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte and Vice Mayor Baste Duterte.
“But the provision in the Constitution about political dynasty, it will never push through no matter how hard they try,” the president added.
“Unless you change the whole picture, unless you change the constitution, unless you change the culture — then maybe you can. But if we stay like this, we will have dynasties. And dynasties are not bad,” Duterte explained.
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The president also mentioned the situation in Davao City where people made the consensus of electing his relatives.
“When I stepped down as mayor, I had three terms. I told the people, I called the barangay leaders: ‘It’s time to choose who would replace me’,” Duterte recalled.
“You know, even the leader of our group, Hugpong, unanimously they wanted Inday Sara. Then for congressman, majority of the barangay captains wanted Pulong [Paolo]. And there’s one vice mayor, it’s decided by his elder sister, Inday,” he continued. (TDT)
