JunMag blasts Mitos, pushes for anti-dynasty bill

MANILA, Philippines – Liberal Party (LP) senatorial candidate Ramon “Jun” Magsaysay Jr. hit his niece-in-law, opposition candidate Mitos Magsaysay, and urged the next Congress to pass the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill.

“We may not have the time now as Congress has just 3 days in June to enact an enabling law but I want this legislation passed immediately,” Magsaysay said in a statement on Sunday, February 17.

The former senator (1995-2007), who announced that he will push the bill if he gets elected to the Senate, recalled his father, former President Ramon Magsaysay, refused to allow his relatives, particularly his brother Genaro, to join politics during his 1953-1957 administration.

Zambales Rep Mitos Magsaysay, the LP senatorial candidate’s niece, is however also vying for a Senate seat under the banner of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) headed by Vice President Jejomar Binay.

(Read: Magsaysay vs Magsaysay: It happened before and Let ‘true Magsaysay’ run for Senate, says Drilon)

Magsaysay Jr. stressed that even if Mitos is running, he is the only descendant in the lineage of the beloved former President. He said Mitos is only part of the clan through her husband Jesus Vicente Magsaysay II, Magsaysay Jr.’s nephew.

“As President Benigno Aquino said in our coalition ad, be wary of pretenders,” noted the LP candidate.

Jun Magsaysay said he supports the definition of “political dynasty” in existing bills: “Up to the second degree of consanguinity or affinity, which shall refer to the relatives of a person who may be the latter’s brother or sister, whether of full or half-blood, direct ascendant or direct descendant, whether legitimate, illegitimate or adopted, including their spouses.”

That definition, the 79-year-old former senator said, is consistent with Article II, Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution, which establishes that “the State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.”

This is the first time the former senator is criticizing Rep Magsaysay’s senatorial bid. Initially, he said it would be up to the voter to choose between, or go for neither of or both of the Magsaysays. – with reports from Carlos Santamaria/Rappler.com