MANILA, Philippines – With the once ruling Liberal Party hemorrhaging from defections to the new majority, Sen. Franklin Drilon wants political turncoats penalized as part of an overhaul of the party system.

Drilon has filed a bill seeking to strengthen the political system, prevent party switching and level the playing field among parties.

The media are replete with reports about the ongoing nomination process for the Democratic and Republican parties in the United States. Though the US presidential election to choose the successor of President Barack Obama will be held in November, since early this year the candidates have been slugging it out with full media coverage and unlimited spending.