THE last five decades saw the deterioration of democracy in the Philippines as elections have been limited to the rich and famous, especially in Congress where politicians —mostly — are relegated as “benchwarmers.”
Taking the case of the Senate, not one represents the genuine poor. Worse, the Chamber has become a family affair of the Villars (Cynthia the matriarch and son Mark), the Ejercitos (Jinggoy and half brother JV), and the Cayetanos (Alan Peter and sister Pia).
All others except for three are direct descendants of political dynasties lording over turfs outside the Senate hall.
Senate President Francis Escudero’s family is lording over Sorsogon, while Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri is believed to be the kingpin of Bukidnon. Others on the list include Francis Tolentino whose family has expanded its control over the entire Cavite Province.
We also have Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III of Cagayan de Oro trying to annex his turf to Marikina City, Nancy Binay whose family has been lording over Makati City since 1986, Sherwin Gatchalian who has effectively turned Valenzuela City as their playground, and Loren Legarda whose family remains prominent political force in Batangas.
There’s also presidential sister Imee Marcos in the Senate, along with Sen. Bong Revilla whose family is deemed the biggest political dynasty in Cavite, Sen. Raffy Tulfo who is expected to be joined soon by his brothers Erwin and Ben, Robin Padilla of Camarines Norte, and Joel Villanueva of Bulacan.
Same principle applies at the local level — dad, mom, son, and daughter and in-laws — at the helm of the purse.
MORE DYNASTS
The same principle applies to the members of the House of Representatives, where at least 90 percent are direct descendants of political clans lording over the provinces where they came from.
In view of an upcoming election, politicians forming part of dynasties have mastered the art of putting one over the 1987 Constitution and that of Republic Act 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991) which provides term limitation.
How? They swap posts, just like Sen. Cynthia Villar who is eyeing to represent Las Piñas City at the Lower House and her daughter Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar who is running for senator replacing the outgoing matriarch.
Much like the Villars are the Binays – outgoing Sen. Nancy wants to take over Makati City as her younger sister Abby sets sights on her Ate’s Senate slot.
Such practice has long been a norm among politicians at the House of Representatives — Speaker Martin Romualdez representing Leyte and wife Yedda Marie representing a partylist group, former Quezon City Rep. Alfred and younger brother PM trading positions, and others whose names may not be able to fit in the space allotted for my column.
Same principle applies at the local level — dad, mom, son, and daughter and in-laws — at the helm of the purse.
I guess Filipinos are not yet ready for principled politics.