The Continuation of the Political Dynasty: Philippine Chapter

Almost every day, many political issues have risen due to economic inflation and other developments that have declined. However, coming from a worldwide perspective, such political practices are continued to be abused with the unethical practices that the government determines. Such methods include the widespread discrimination, segregation, and even minimal payment that is distributed among the political parties who have yet to follow the moral governance set in the country. Yet, the Philippine perspective is an example of the continuous chapter that included decades of known politicians with their heirs following in their footsteps. Because of its well-known status, the Philippines remains known as a continuation of political dynasties worldwide.

About Political Dynasty

To begin with, the political dynasty is defined as one where families are involved in the political sector, such as those related to the government, electoral, or nationwide. Most families are either voluntarily a part of the political ideology or a part of such contract (i.e., marriages, inheritance) to fulfill generations of ruling in the political environment. Although the Philippines is known to be a democratic republic, the active participation of the political dynasties has represented almost 70% of the 15th Philippine Congress. Therefore, it has dominated the state and governance throughout the country.

Regarding the Philippine rulers, notable political dynasties include Aquino, Binay, Duterte, Macapagal, Roxas, and Marcos. These families are known to actively participate in the political sector of the Philippines, in which the following generations from these names, as mentioned earlier, continued to maintain the status of their role. Although some have made the country foster its economic growth, the adverse effects have still impacted the situation of the Philippines with poverty rising, underdevelopment of certain areas in the country, widespread corruption, and political inequality that continues to be a significant situation within the government.

There have been constitutional attempts to oppose the issue at hand with implementing the Term Limits as a policy. It has been stated in the Senatorial office that “No Senator shall serve for more than two consecutive terms…”.” In contrast, the House Representatives have quoted in Section 7, “No member of the House of Representatives shall serve for more than three consecutive terms….” (Mendoza et al.). Another constitutional attempt would be The Anti-Dynasty Provision, where the Senate has guaranteed to prohibit the resumption of the political dynasty by law (CNN Philippines). Lastly, the System of Party-List Representation has implemented an organized system that focuses on three deficiencies such are:

1. Limited to only a three-seat representation,

2. Co-optation by the traditional politicians,

3. Stiff competition from evangelical groups (Tangkia et al.).

Though these policies or laws have been generated, it has still opened more pathways for the political dynasties to overcome the Philippine government and limit those who earn the right to public service.

The Continuation in 2022

From the results of the recent May 2022 Presidential elections, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr. was appointed as the President and Sara Duterte as the Vice President of the Philippines. Both leaders came from the political dynasty of Marcos and Duterte, who were known to rule the Philippines beforehand. Because of these results, there were divided reactions displayed by the public as many have wanted their personal vote to win. Hence, with these newly appointed leaders of the country, it has continued their political dynasty throughout and will maintain the family status within the political sector.

To Learn More

The situation in the Philippines will remain, has affected the livelihood of the Filipinos where the challenges remain unsolved. The obstacles of a diverse community, civil movements, adjustment, and much more will be the lingering puzzle yet to be upheld. Henceforth, to learn more about the political dynasties of the Philippines, here are some suggested articles to understand the situation and the impact it has:

• Title: Political Dynasties in the Philippines

• Title: Political Reform and Elite Persistence: Term Limits and Political Dynasties in the Philippines

• Title: Term Limits and Political Dynasties in the Philippines: Unpacking the Links Title: Inequality in democracy: Insights from an empirical analysis of political dynasties in the 15th Philippine Congress https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01154451.2012.734094

• Title: POLITICAL DYNASTIES AND POVERTY: EVIDENCE FROM THE PHILIPPINES

It may be the continuation of the historical chapters before us, but it is the beginning of a new prologue of the Philippines.

Works Cited

CNN Philippines. “Anti-Political Dynasty Bills Filed in 18th Congress.” CNN Philippines, 4 July 2019, www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2019/7/4/Anti-political-dynasty-bills-18th-Congress-.html?fbclid=IwAR1DmjUWDtughUvJtTtkkpVirQHPjDSuRgiCQ_6N0YK9IepVxeuCoITekDE.

Mendoza, Ronald U., et al. “Term Limits and Political Dynasties: Unpacking the Links.” SSRN Electronic Journal, 2019, https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3356437.

Tadem, Teresa, and Eduardo Tadem. Political Dynasties in the Philippines: Persistent Patterns, Perennial Problems. asiapacific.anu.edu.au/sites/default/files/Teresa%20Tadem%20Political%20Dynasty.pdf.

Tangkia, Fritzie, et al. FES Dialogue on Globalization FES International Policy Analysis Unit FES Journal - International Politics and Society Party-List System: The Philippine Experience. Apr. 2001, library.fes.de/pdf-files/bueros/philippinen/50076.pdf.