Published by: Marino Peralta
Date Published: March 24, 2025
Time Published: 10:22 AM
In spite of notable political families dominating elections and presumably gaining positions each subsequent year, politics in the Philippines seems to have transformed into familial affairs. In the Philippines, power hails from familial ties rather than the sweat and anguish of hardships, thus political circumstances have established itself as an ancestral heirloom. Among other countries, the Philippine Political Dynasties have rendered democracy a myth, with solely one surname being represented on the ballot throughout each annual election. Apart from constituting an emblem of instability, the Philippines' current system additionally demonstrates corruption and prioritizes the monetary gain of politicians over the public's welfare. Can we honestly declare that democracy has truly prevailed in the country, if those in power whom we continue to appoint persist triumphantly because they are passed down through lineage? And as these families continue to solidify their grip on power and position, will the Philippines ever break free of the never-ending dynastic system? Or will the same bloodlines simply govern us in perpetuity?
For several generations, the Villar family predominated both the legislative and executive branches of the Philippine government, thereby becoming one of the largest, fastest-growing, and most prominent political families in the history of Philippine politics. One of the few political families in the nation that keeps running for office is the Villar family, which aims to perpetuate the cycle of dynastic authority in the country by retaining power along with significant positions in the government. House Representative Camille Villar submitted her certificate of candidacy (COC) for a Senate seat on October 4, 2023, with the intention of filling the vacancy embarked by her mother, Senator Cynthia Villar. [1] Public perception along with widespread fretting have been sparked by Villar's recent foray into politics. It's clear that the Villar namesake has been prevalent in politics for a while given its association with former Senate President Manny Villar, his wife Cynthia Villar, who has been a senator for a long time, and even his son Mark Villar, who is an incumbent senator and a cabinet secretary. This corresponds to precisely why House Representative Camille Villar's ascension to the Senate has been so strenuous, leading some to speculate whether this is merely a desire and commitment to continue carrying on the Mother's legacy? Or is this only a manifestation of power-hungry behavior?
In lieu of House Representative Camille Villar, Abby Binay, the mayor of Makati City and an integral part of one of the nation's most influential political clans, is also running for Senate seats [2]. In addition to the Villar family, one of the most prominent political families in the Philippines is the Binay dynasty. In Philippine politics, the Binay dynasty has long been a dominant force, especially in Makati, where they have ruled for several generations. Consequently, Aby Binay's appointment to the Senate just signifies the is unsettling and daunting to think of. If only Filipinos simply consider the enormous power of political dynasties in the nation when voting, it is demoralizing to think that there would be no room for new leaders who want to shepherd the nation honorably and with sincere intentions.
The abstraction of political dynasties in the country should have been discarded long ago, as the Philippines paucity of growth is the political families' perpetual dominance in the nation. Thus, it is only reasonable that all citizens actively involve themselves in overthrowing dynastic control by abstaining from voting for leaders who have long abused their positions. Every Filipino citizen has a legal obligation to seek out the qualifications of every candidate for public office. The fact that the politicians desire to run is to continue its family's legacy, will not be sufficient justification to run in the position—if during its long tenure in the position, the Philippines had not experienced any development.
The continued existence of political dynasties in the country will only serve to perpetuate corruption and poor governance. The existence of incompetent leaders in the country will never end if politicians who have been voted into office numerous times but have proven nothing continue to sit in office. It is time for Filipinos to think about whether they want a government with good aspirations for the people or one that protects the interests of a political elite. If true progress is to be achieved, it is time to end the long-standing rule of dynasties in the country. It is a new era of leadership that is based on the politicians' integrity, track record, and aspiration. The state of the country is in the hands of the people, whether they will continue to live in a country that keeps them powerless? or they will choose democracy for the first time.
IMAGE SOURCE:
SWS: Self-rated poverty highest in 21 years. (1970, January 1). Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/01/09/2412923/sws-self-rated-poverty-highest-21-years/amp/
REFERENCE:
[1] Villaruel, J.E. (2024, October 4). Camille Villar files candidacy for senator. ABS-CBN News. https://www.abs-cbn.com/.../camille-villar-files...
[2] Patinio, F. (2024, October 4). Las PiΓ±as’ Camille Villar, Makati's Abby Binay vie for Senate seats. PNA. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1234757
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