There is significant evidence to suggest that Philippine political dynasties use their political dominance over their respective regions to enrich themselves, using methods such as graft or outright bribery of legislators. Article II Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution prohibits political dynasties: “The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.”But Congress has failed to pass an enabling law against dynasties over the past 37 years. “This is not a surprise since both the House of Representatives and the Senate are dominated by political dynasties. Gains and losses in regulating political dynasties in the Philippines,” Gacayan illustrates that the victory of the Marcos-Duterte tandem in the (2022) polls is an epitome of the continuing dominance of political dynasties — where dynasties are not only deeply entrenched but also capable of self-perpetuation amidst good governance reforms (Ibid.) Like in Mafia organizations, political dynasties are made up of family, friends, and supporters.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer October 21, 2024 04:06 UTC