Bagong Henerasyon (BH) Party-list Rep. Robert Nazal wants to put an end to the "padrino system" in government once and for all.

For this purpose, the rookie lawmaker filed in the ongoing 20th Congress the proposed “Gobyernong Walang Padrino Act”, which aims to dismantle the entrenched padrino system in Philippine governance, and at the same time institutionalize meritocracy and transparency in government appointments, promotions and benefit distribution.

The measure bans political endorsements, establishing an Anti-Padrino Oversight Unit under the Civil Service Commission, and imposing severe penalties on violators, including dismissals, disqualifications, and imprisonment.

“Patronage politics is one of the oldest and most deeply embedded ills in Philippine governance. For decades, public office has too often been treated as a reward for loyalty rather than a trust for merit,” Nazal said in the bill’s explanatory note.

“This practice undermines efficiency, demoralizes career public servants, and erodes public confidence in our institutions,” he pointed out.

The measure prohibits the use of political endorsements in any appointment or promotion process and mandates all government agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations, local government units, state universities, and even government-funded programs to adopt competitive, competency-based hiring and promotion procedures.

It also requires the publication of vacancies, selection criteria and final rankings to ensure transparency.

Nazal’s bill introduces mechanisms to investigate complaints of undue influence and protects whistleblowers under the existing Whistleblower Protection Act.

It imposes penalties of up to P10 million in fines and 10 years of imprisonment for appointing authorities who knowingly act on non-meritorious or politically motivated endorsements.

“The so-called ‘padrino system’, wherein appointments, promotions and contracts are secured through political connections rather than qualifications, has entrenched mediocrity, stifled innovation, and perpetuated a culture of dependency, corruption and impunity,” Nazal explained.

“Talented Filipinos are left on the sidelines while the privileged few leapfrog through the bureaucracy simply because they know the right people,” he added.

It will be recalled that it was former Bagong Henerasyon Party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera who first pushed the idea of prohibiting the "palakasan system" in the hiring of employees in government.

"I am very hopeful and confident that this very important bill would finally be approved and passed this 20th Congress," Herrera said.

Under the bill, an Anti-Padrino Oversight Unit (APOU) will be created to conduct audits, investigate complaints, and recommend administrative or criminal charges against erring officials and private individuals who attempt to manipulate public appointments for personal or partisan gain.

“This bill is about restoring faith in government. It is a commitment to the Filipino people that public service is not a reward for loyalty, but a responsibility entrusted to those who are most qualified. It is a bold step toward building a bureaucracy that is professional, impartial, and truly in service of the public, not of padrinos,” Nazal said.

Nazal urged his fellow lawmakers to support the immediate passage of the measure, which he described as crucial to rebuilding trust in public institutions and ensuring a more just and merit-based government.