Rep Nazal proposes 'Gobyernong Walang Padrino' bill to end patronage culture

Bagong Henerasyon (BH) Party-list Rep. Robert Nazal has proposed a bill aimed at ending the 'padrino' or patronage culture in Philippine governance.

The 'Gobyernong Walang Padrino' bill seeks to institutionalize meritocracy and transparency by banning political endorsements in appointment and promotion processes, establishing an Anti-Padrino Oversight Unit under the Civil Service Commission (CSC), and imposing penalties of up to P10 million fines and 10 years imprisonment for offenders.

In a statement on Sunday, Rep. Nazal emphasized that patronage politics undermines efficiency, demoralizes career public servants, and erodes public confidence in institutions.

The proposed unit will conduct audits, investigate complaints, and recommend administrative or criminal charges against violators, aiming to eliminate undue influence in government appointments and promotions.

Under the bill, all vacancies, selection criteria, and final rankings must be made public to ensure transparency, while protecting whistleblowers under existing whistleblower protection laws.