The Senator who oppose the Anti-dynasty bill

Senator Binay expressed her reservations about the legislative measure seeking to put into effect the constitutional prerequisite against political dynasties, saying that this would “deprive people freedom of choice.”

Some of the senator’s colleagues were backing up the approval of anti-dynasty bill that President Aquino on promised to sign once it comes out to Congress. The Senate President Drilon vowed passage of the measure.

Senaotr Binay, one of 4 members of Binay family is currently holding a public office, said that approval of the measure by Congress would narrow down electorate’s choice of candidates. Her mother once reins of Makati, whose mayorship has been entrusted to the Binays since 1986.

“Why deprive the people of choices? If that is passed, its automatic one candidate is disqualified from running. That trims down the choices of the electorate,’’ Binay said in an interview.

There are four Binays in government: Vice President Jejomar Binay, the senator, Makati City Mayor Jejomar “Junjun’’ Binay and Makati Rep. Abigail Binay. The vice president’s wife, Elenita, once held the reins in Makati, whose mayorship has been with the Binays since 1986.

Senator Binay stressed that individual’s fitness to public office should be determined by ballot. Senators Edgardo Angara and Benigno Aquino IV expressed full support for the bill.

Sen. Victor Ejercito, son of ex President Joseph Estrada, now mayor of Manila, and San Juan Mayor Gomez, and Senator Miriam Santiago filed separate bills prohibiting the establishment of dynasties in the government office.