All candidates in 10 villages in Tubo town are running unopposed, thanks to the Maeng tribe’s “butong,” a tradition that has also guided village elders in resolving disputes. Pedro Mateo, a member of the Dap-ay di Tubo (Tubo council of elders), said they resorted to butong after political rivalries intensified in the 2007 and 2010 elections. ADVERTISEMENTUnder the tribe’s charter, the elders choose a winning candidate from a list of aspirants presented to them by the village. “Tubo villages are closely knit and everybody knows everybody. Which is why we know who are suited for government work,” said Mariano Dangatan, chair of the Tipon ti Umili para iti Panangsaluad iti Nakaparsuan.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer May 12, 2018 16:07 UTC