MANILA, Philippines — According to experienced political analyst Ramon Casiple, political dynasties, not parties, will dominate this year’s elections since wealth and power are concentrated among specific families.
Casiple told PTV-4 that a law prohibiting families from having multiple elective positions would take some time to pass because lawmakers quickly veto bills filed in Congress.
“There were no political party names that appeared, unlike earlier when we had the Nacionalista Party and the Liberal Party. We now have families. That’s how elections are now,” he remarked.
Casiple believes that a political dynasty’s endorsement of a national contender could increase the latter’s chances of winning in polls.
“Whoever wins, the rules and programs preserve the interests of political families,” he added.
Two of the country’s most influential political families, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte, have partnered up for the presidential and vice presidential elections, respectively.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte stated last month that political clans dominate several posts in government because people demand it.
Duterte stated that he and his children had no choice but to respond to the leaders’ appeals to seek for public office.
Duterte stated in November 2021 that political dynasties are “not evil” and will continue to exist unless the 1987 Constitution is altered.
Aside from Sara, Duterte’s two other children ran in the May 9 elections: Paolo as Davao City’s 1st District representative and Sebastian as mayor.
Political dynasties are prohibited by the 1987 Constitution, but Congress has yet to approve legislation to enforce Article II Section 26, which requires “fair access to opportunities for public service.”
Several anti-political dynasty measures have been introduced in Congress and are now pending in committee.