Political dynasties in the Philippines Persistent patterns, perennial problems

• Published in: South East Asia research Vol. 24; no. 3; pp. 328 - 340
• Main Authors: Tadem, Teresa S Encarnacion, Tadem, Eduardo C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications Ltd 01-09-2016; SAGE Publications; Taylor & Francis Group
• Subjects: Colonialism; Corruption; Dominance; Elections; Law; Legislatures; Patronage; Politics; Provinces; Socioeconomic factors; Strength; Philippines; oligarchy; patronage politics; Colonialism; political families; dynasties; patrimonialism; legislature
• ISSN: 0967-828X; 2043-6874
• DOI: 10.1177/0967828X16659730

The results of the 2013 Philippine mid-term elections highlighted the dominance of political dynasties in the country. With all 80 provinces littered with political families, 74 percent of the elected members of the House of Representatives came from such dynastic groups. Despite overwhelming recognition that political dynasties breed patronage politics and corruption, no substantial steps have been undertaken to address this issue. This article examines the general nature of Philippine political dynasties, the reasons for their continuing existence and their adverse impact on the country. This problem emanates basically from three factors: (1) the political and socio-economic foundations upon which political dynasties are built; 2) the inability to effectively implement Philippine constitutional provisions by enacting an enabling law; and 3) the weakness of potential countervailing forces that would challenge political dynasties.