Political Dynasty In The Philippines

A political family or political dynasty is a family in which several members are involved in politics, particularly electoral politics. Members may be related by blood or marriage; often several generations or multiple siblings may be involved.

In the Philippine political structure, when the oligarchy is under the supremacy of notable families, the practice is called the political dynasty. In principle, there is nothing exactly wrong with the idea of political dynasties. Yet in practice, its prevalence embodies the exclusionary power structure of the Philippines. Based on analysis, mere post-colonial legacies are considerable factors of political dynasties. According to Senator Enrile, dynasties have indeed existed since the birth of Philippine

They attract their followers and keep them loyal with government patronage and personal protection. Once at the point of having successfully build a manipulated army of tomfools, some resort to massive corruption, fraud, violence, vote-buying, and intimidation. According to Richard Javid Heydarian in his revealing article, “Why the Philippines failed,” one discovers that the country’s developmental troubles have a lot to do with “state-formation”—or lack of a strong, independent state. This is precisely what differentiates the Philippines from many of its successful neighbors, which have had strong and enlightened executives autonomously undertaking crucial (and correct) economic decisions without pandering to specific interest groups. “Throughout the post-War period, the Philippine State has either been at the mercy of entrenched elites, pushing for particularistic interests and blocking policies/legislations aimed at national development, or international financial institutions (World Bank and IMF), which have prescribed counterproductive policies, notably ‘Structural Adjustment Programs’ (SAPs), causing tremendous poverty, social dislocation, agricultural decline and ‘de-industrialization’ across the developing world.” Another effect of rapid spreading of unjust political dynasties who act that they are of service to the public is it has hindered unknown intending candidates in aiming a seat in the government, thus, resulting to weakening of system, state, and the idea of a democratic country. Continuing the toleration of today’s semi-feudal society, pre-modern political culture, weak state, and self-serving leaders shape and perpetuate our dysfunctional elections, political parties, presidential form of government, and unitary system of national-local government