Political Dynasty
Almalyn Aranas
Soraima Dalidig
Mary Louise Lucine
Mary Coleen Claire Pintor
Political dynasty has become a culture in the Philippines for it became the norm of the Filipino. Through the years the sons or daughters of the politicians were expected to be the successor if a certain position. By that, most people Also, the first generation wants to continue it to the next future generations. In order for them to maintain the power and to be well known in the entire world and have connections.
The moral issue about political dynasty is that, if one of a politician’s family wants to join the congress, it will be unfair to other competent people who want to join, but doesn't have any family member in the congress, because surely, citizens will always base on those families that are already in the congress. And thought it was a good idea. It is also because of the good record of the previous generation and to be passed to the next generation but this is not usually continued to the next and future generation but good or bad performance of familiar names will be elected into the office. Also, the families try to maintain the power.
If I'm the daughter/son of a politician who belongs to a political dynasty and asked if I'm willing to run for politics, my answer is no, I won't. It's just like working in a government where your mother/father worked, and it's not allowed that you also work in the same office because it will double the salary, which is unfair to others who don't have any family member working there. Political dynasty will also lead to a lot cases of corruption. According to Paterno (2014), it corrupts the system of checks and balances. The centrality of dynasties to politics lowers the costs associated with committing corrupt acts. Even if they face corruption or other criminal charges, political actors can continue to reap the benefits of power by having spouses or children take their seats. In addition, the continued success of political families despite corruption charges undermines the rule of law, and perpetuates a system of corruption in government. Well-intentioned individuals are deterred from seeking office, leaving positions open to individuals who view government as an opportunity to amass more wealth and power and it must be stopped or if not, lessen. As stated in 1987 Constitution Article 2, Section 26 that "The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law."
Political dynasty has not toppled down for so many years. The reason why it is difficult to topple down the political dynasties is because of the voters. Fillipinos usually go to the most well known family in politics. For example, the Former President Benigno Aquino III, his deceased mother, a Former President Cory Aquino is known as "Mother of Democracy" and also known on what she did during Marcos time, had a great influence on his candidacy. Because of his deceased mother, he got a lot of votes. Another example is the Duterte Family, because of the leadership of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in Davao, the people of Davao only vote for the Duterte Family and it is unfair to those other candidates because they were not noticed.
Political dynasty has both ups and downs. It could bring a positive result if both the ascendant and successor would lead a certain place to prosperity. On the other hand, if it would just lead to the shrinkage of a place, political dynasty could be just one of the reasons of a damaged culture. There will be an end of the political dynasty if both the new generation of politicians and more mature/experienced one would want to end it even in the next or two decades. Not all political families have the assurance of permanent hold on power so it's up to the citizens if they'll choose another leader or the one who has been a part of political dynasty but it's not impossible that political dynasty would be eliminated or if not, would be lessen.
References:
Paterno, B. (2014). The philippines must break the power of political dynasties. Retrieved August 13,2020 from https://globalanticorruptionblog.com/2014/12/01/the-philippines-must-break-the-power-of-political-dynasties/
THE 1987 CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES – ARTICLE II, (n d.). Declaration of principles and state policies. Retrieved August 13, 2020 from https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/constitutions/the-1987-constitution-of-the-republic-of-the-philippines/the-1987-constitution-of-the-republic-of-the-philippines-article-ii/#:~:text=Section%2026.,may%20be%20defined%20by%20law.&text=The%20State%20shall%20maintain%20honesty,measures%20against%20graft%20and%20corruption.
