Family Matters: An Overview of Poltical Dynasties in the Philippines
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PROs
Anyone who is eligible, regardless of name, should be allowed a seat in office. This is the main argument for pro-political dynasties. Membership in a political dynasty does not necessarily equate to corrupt leadership. It is wrong to questions one’s willingness to serve the public merely because of accidents of birth. Political dynasties do not necessarily cause poverty but correlation is strong between the two. Thus, non-dynastic politicians may not be presenting themselves as viable alternatives to political dynasties. (Mendoza et al, 2013) |
CONs
“Most of our politicians consider their political posts as their legacy which they can pass on to their next generation. Political office becomes a family heirloom which politicians hand to the next generation without considering talent, competence and integrity. The political dynasties deny other members of the community who may also prove competent and worthy of respect the opportunity to serve the country.” (Honorable Erlinda Santiago, House Bill No. 837) Passing on a reputation may be inefficient when politicians are brought to a point where their loyalty to their family’s legacy hinders them from making a decision that may go against what the family has started. Non-dynastic counterparts, who are not tied to such names, are more dynamic. In Inequality and democracy, Mendoza et al (2012), say that political dynasties dominating political parties may be causing inefficiencies as it “trumps the development of robust political parties and political platforms.” This calls for party lists that are well-represented and not just dominated by political clans. |
Anti-Political Dynasty Bill
The Anti-Political Dynasty Act guarantees equal access and opportunity to public office and public service; likewise, prohibits political dynasties.
Section 3 of the Act defines Political Dynasty as follows:
“Political dynasty shall exist when a person who is the spouse of the incumbent elective official or relative within second degree of consanguinity or affinity of an incumbent elective official holds or runs for an elective office simultaneously with the incumbent elective official within the same province or occupies the same office immediately after the term of office of the incumbent elective official. It shall also deemed to exist where two or more persons who are spouses or are related within the civil degree of consanguinity or affinity run simultaneously for elective public office within the same province, even if neither is related to an incumbent elective official.”
References:
Constantino, Renato. (1982). The Making of a Filipino: A Story of Philippine Colonial Politics. Quezon City: R. Constantino
D. Acemoglu and J. Robinson.(2013 January 9). Political Dynasties in the Philippines [Web log post]. Retrieved from http://whynationsfail.com/blog/2013/1/9/political-dynasties-in-the-philippines.html
R. Mendoza, E. Beja Jr., V. Verida, and D. Yap. (2012). An Empirical Analysis of Political Dynasties in the 15th Philippine Congress.
R. Mendoza, E. Beja Jr., V. Verida, and D. Yap. (2012). Inequality in democracy: Insights from an empirical analysis of political dynasties in the 15th Philippine Congress. Ateneo de Manila, Asian Institute of Management
R. Mendoza, E. Beja Jr., V. Verida, and D. Yap. (2013). Political Dynasties and Poverty: Evidence from the Philippines.
Lee, C. 2005. Income inequality, democracy, and public sector size.American Sociological Review 70(1): 158-181.
S. No. 2649. Retrieved from http://www.senate.gov.ph/lisdata/106169091!.pdf
The Anti-Political Dynasty Act guarantees equal access and opportunity to public office and public service; likewise, prohibits political dynasties.
Section 3 of the Act defines Political Dynasty as follows:
“Political dynasty shall exist when a person who is the spouse of the incumbent elective official or relative within second degree of consanguinity or affinity of an incumbent elective official holds or runs for an elective office simultaneously with the incumbent elective official within the same province or occupies the same office immediately after the term of office of the incumbent elective official. It shall also deemed to exist where two or more persons who are spouses or are related within the civil degree of consanguinity or affinity run simultaneously for elective public office within the same province, even if neither is related to an incumbent elective official.”
References:
Constantino, Renato. (1982). The Making of a Filipino: A Story of Philippine Colonial Politics. Quezon City: R. Constantino
D. Acemoglu and J. Robinson.(2013 January 9). Political Dynasties in the Philippines [Web log post]. Retrieved from http://whynationsfail.com/blog/2013/1/9/political-dynasties-in-the-philippines.html
R. Mendoza, E. Beja Jr., V. Verida, and D. Yap. (2012). An Empirical Analysis of Political Dynasties in the 15th Philippine Congress.
R. Mendoza, E. Beja Jr., V. Verida, and D. Yap. (2012). Inequality in democracy: Insights from an empirical analysis of political dynasties in the 15th Philippine Congress. Ateneo de Manila, Asian Institute of Management
R. Mendoza, E. Beja Jr., V. Verida, and D. Yap. (2013). Political Dynasties and Poverty: Evidence from the Philippines.
Lee, C. 2005. Income inequality, democracy, and public sector size.American Sociological Review 70(1): 158-181.
S. No. 2649. Retrieved from http://www.senate.gov.ph/lisdata/106169091!.pdf
Continue this educational discussion at Kapekonomiya Pamana 2015! September 29, 2015 at the UP School of Economics Auditorium.