Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III expressed his full support for the proposed anti-political dynasty bill, even as eight of his relatives currently hold government positions.
In an interview, Sotto said he welcomes any measure that would provide a clearer and more specific definition of what constitutes a political dynasty.
“Hindi lang basta 2nd degree of consanguinity kailangan ma-define ano-ano at paano. Okay sa akin ang anti-political dynasty basta define lang nating mabuti, anong kasama?” said Sotto.
Meanwhile, amid growing public calls for greater transparency in government, Sotto has directed the Senate Secretariat to release copies of senators’ Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) to those who formally request them.
He clarified, however, that senators are free to publish their SALNs on their personal or social media pages if they wish to do so.
“It is up to the senator if you want to follow procedure of the Senate Secretariat then go, if you don’t want to follow and you just want to give it away, go ahead. In my case sabi ko naman sa kanila eh, basta may letter request lang sa akin hindi na kailangan ‘yung may affidavit pa,” Sotto added.