On October 6, Some celebrities expressed their disdain toward families who treat government positions like businesses knowing that elections are near.
Former PBB housemate Dionne Monsanto said she is not voting for politicians who come from political dynasties.
For next year’s elections, I will not vote candidates coming from political dynasties. Ginagawa lang nilang negosyo ang pulitika.
— Dionne Monsanto Stalder (@DionneMonsanto) October 6, 2021
Comedian and director John ‘Sweet’ Lapus was astounded to know that some prominent families are gunning for various government posts in their respective cities and provinces.
Since the Philippine government got infested with political clans, Lapus expressed his concern about keeping the check and balance.
Grabe yung mga lugar na Buong Pamilya ang kakandidato sa ibat-ibang posisyon. Pwede ba yon? Sino mag chicheck & balance? 😱
— John Lapus (@KorekKaJohn) October 6, 2021
Also, the TV personality Justin Dizon pointed out the reality of families who are running for public offices. To him, they either want to protect their business interests or make more money out of corruption.
Tsk tsk. Ginagawang negosyo ang pulitika.
1) they will protect their business interests (pati yung sa mga friends nila)
2) mangungurakot
Hay nakakalungkot.
— Justin Dizon (@iamjustindizon) October 6, 2021
There have always been political clans in the Philippines and it is becoming more rampant these days.
Before the 2022 elections, presidential aspirant Manny Pacquiao has sent three of his family members into politics: his brothers Rogelio and Alberto to Congress (the lower house), and cousin Zyrex to a mayorship in Sarangani. Rogelio already filed his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for the governorship on October 2.
The Dutertes from Davao City already established their political dynasty. Starting from the head, current Philippine President, Pres. Rodrigo Duterte. His mayoral position in Davao was then inherited by his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte. Duterte’s youngest, Sebastian, is the sitting vice mayor. Meanwhile, his eldest son, Paolo is Davao’s congressman. Sara already filed her COC for her re-election as Davao City’s mayor on October 2. She was then followed by her brother Sebastian who filed his COC on Sunday afternoon, October 3 for vice mayor.
The Cayetanos clan also had their dynasty. Alan Peter Cayetano won a seat in Congress so did his wife, Lani, who is currently the Representative of the legislative district of Taguig. His sister, Pia, is a senator, while his brother Lino, is the current Taguig City Mayor.
The late Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos still has roots in the political aspect of the country. His daughter, Imee, won a senate seat. She was previously Ilocos Norte’s governor, which she handed to her son, Matthew Marcos Manotoc. Matthew, along with her aunt Vice Governor Cecile Araneta-Marcos filed their respective COCs on Wednesday, October 6. Both are seeking re-election.
Villars are still as powerful as ever, as the couple Manny and Cynthia were both re-elected to the Senate while their daughter Camille is a member of Congress. Their son Mark, the former Public Works Secretary, filed his COC for senator on October 6.
In Laguna, the Ejercitos still have action star Jerico Ejercito, following ER’s footsteps as he filed his COC on Tuesday, October 5, together with former ABS-CBN journalist Sol Aragones. Ejercito will be running for vice governor while Aragones will run for governor. Meanwhile, Jinggoy Estrada and half-brother JV Ejercito are both eyeing a senate seat in 2022.
Are political dynasties allowed by the Philippine Constitution?
In the 1986 Philippine Constitution, political dynasties were mentioned. It was found in article III “Declaration of Principles and State policies”, sec. 26, stating that “The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.”
However, there seemed to be some loopholes regarding the provision since many clans have their members become public servants.
Hence, a Constitutional reform was being pushed by the Duterte Government. They seek to add another section on Article V that says, “The State shall prohibit political dynasties in order to prevent the concentration, consolidation, or perpetuation of political power in persons related to one another.”
