A LABOR organization called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to implement the ban on political dynasties if he wants to win the war against rampant corruption in the bureaucracy., This news data comes from:http://we.771bg.com

The Federation of Free Workers (FFW) on Sunday denounced political dynasties as “one of the main roots of corruption in Philippine society that needs to be eradicated at once.” It urged the President to include the passage of the Anti-Political Dynasty Law in his priority legislative agenda if he is serious about fighting corruption.

The FFW said the major flaw of the 1987 Constitution is not its provisions, but the failure to enforce its critical provisions, including the ban on political dynasties, the establishment of a living wage, strengthening job security, protection of workers who organize unions, environmental protections, and other human rights and social justice clauses.

“The problem lies not in the Constitution’s wording, but in its elite-driven enforcement,” said FFW President Sonny Matula.

The call comes amid what netizens now describe as “nepo baby shaming” following Marcos’ directive to begin a lifestyle check on all government officials.

The President said defective or nonexistent projects linked to just 15 contractors accounted for P100 billion — or 18 percent — of the P545-billion flood-control budget.

“Lifestyle checks are helpful but not enough. Political dynasties breed corruption because public office is treated like a family business,” said Matula, reminding the President that “leadership must be rooted in service, not bloodlines.”

The FFW said it is finalizing with Nagkaisa Labor Coalition (Nagkaisa) affiliates an intervention in the Supreme Court to the petition of 1Sambayan, led by Justice Antonio Carpio, to compel Congress to pass the anti-political dynasty law — a constitutional mandate that has remained unfulfilled for 38 years.

Matula cited the late president Ramon Magsaysay’s legacy of good governance and social justice, which, he pointed out, stands in sharp contrast to today’s entrenched dynasties and widespread corruption.

Magsaysay issued Executive Order 1 (1953), banning the appointment of relatives in government. He also pushed agrarian reform and industrial peace anchored on social justice.

“This spirit of integrity is sorely missing today, as dynasties continue to dominate Congress and local governments while poverty, inequality, and corruption persist,” Matula said.

The FFW, together with the Nagkaisa Labor Coalition, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines and the Association of Generals and Flag Officers, earlier called for the creation of an independent commission to investigate corruption, particularly in public works and flood-control projects, which have been riddled with flawed or ghost contracts.

“Such a body should include trade union participation to ensure accountability and representation of workers, whose taxes ultimately fund these projects,” Matula said.

He said flooding in Metro Manila and across the country is not merely a natural disaster but a human-made tragedy fueled by greed and corruption.

“Instead of protecting life, corrupt officials build monuments of greed. Every peso pocketed, every mangrove uprooted, every wetland buried is another family displaced, another child’s future drowned,” Matula said.

Workers urge Marcos to stop corruption by banning political dynasties