THE COUNTRY’S marginalized sectors will remain at the mercy of traditional politicians even if the 20th Congress gets to approve what seemed more like a token legislative proposal meant to subdue an angry mob.
UP political science professor Jean Encinas-Franco particularly cited the proposed anti-political dynasty bill that was filed at the House of Representatives, where most of its members are direct descendants of political clans lording over the province where they came from.
According to Encinas-Castro, the House version of the proposed anti-political dynasty bill is not enough to resolve the issues plaguing this social ill even as she claimed that voter education alone cannot stop political dynasties from manipulating politics in the country.
Ending political dynasties in the Philippines, she explained, goes beyond just voter education or simple prohibition of blood relations to run for election because both have continued influence on the Filipino masses.
Encinas-Franco pointed out that Filipinos have become accustomed to seeking help from politicians for basic services needs, which in effect makes voter education alone ineffective to solve the perennial concern of some families exercising influence on local politics and governance.
“Ang pinaka-solution talaga nito ay maging efficient ang gobyerno sa pagbibigay ng social services. Kasi kung ang lahat ay di kailangang pumila, di kailangan lumapit sa politiko, napaka-ideal ng sitwasyon na yon,” the UP professor said.
A recent report by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), showed that 113 out of 149 cities across the archipelago are controlled and lorded by political dynasties, many of which members or positioned leaders are already preparing for their reelection bid — or swapping of positions with other family members— with still two years before the next election.
PCIJ cited former president Rodrigo Duterte as an example. Duterte, who has been behind bars in the Netherlands on charges of crimes against humanity, is reportedly bent on seeking reelection as Davao City mayor — with his son Davao City acting mayor Sebastian Duterte as his running mate.
The former President’s daughter Vice President Sara Duterte, who also held the mayoral position several times, has confirmed gunning for the presidency in 2028.
Likewise expanding its political prowess is the Tulfo clan — Raffy and younger brother Erwin are sitting senators. Their brother Ben could have been the third Tulfo in the Senate, after narrowly missing the so-called Magic 12.
At the House of Representatives, the ACT-CIS partylist group has two congressmen, one of whom happens to be Senator Raffy’s wife. Their son is also a member of the House of Representatives, representing a congressional district in Quezon City.
Interestingly, the senate also hosts pairs of legislators carrying similar surnames — Mark and Camille Villar, Jinggoy and JV Ejercito, Alan and Pia Cayetano.