Some political dynasties roadblocks to local dev’t - analyst

Metro Manila, Philippines — Some political dynasties hinder the development of localities, a political analyst said on Monday, Oct. 7.

Dennis Coronacion told NewsWatch Plus that political dynasties — family members simultaneously holding elective offices — have been on the rise in the recent past.

He said these only serve family interests and prevent ordinary aspirants from taking a chance in local politics.

“Hindi sila synonymous with development,” said Coronacion. “Kasi nakita rin sa ilang pag-aaral at mga news reports, karamihan ng mga miyembro nila ay nag-e-engage sa iba’t ibang klaseng korapsyon.”

[Translation: Political dynasties are not synonymous with development. Studies and news reports show that most dynasty members are engaged in various forms of corruption.]

“Whenever there are dynasties around, competing for various public offices, it’s quite hard for an ordinary, aspiring political leader to keep up with the competition,” he added.

Despite this, Coronacion said voters continue to choose politicians from dynasties because of familiarity.

“‘Yung mga so-called tried-and-tested political brands, sila pa minsan ‘yung nagiging dahilan upang maging palpak sa pamamahala o humirap ang ating bansa. Ayaw nila ng mga bago, ayaw nila subukan ‘yung mga baguhan,” he noted.

[Translation: The so-called tried-and-tested political brands sometimes are the cause of a failed leadership or for the country to suffer. They do not want to try the new ones.]

No law vs. dynasties

The Marcos and Duterte families are among the political dynasties.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s relatives in elective offices are:

+ Senator Imee Marcos, sister

+ Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos, son

+ House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, cousin

+ Ilocos Norte Rep. Angel Barba, cousin

+Ilocos Norte Gov. Matthew Manotoc, nephew (son of Imee)

+ Laoag City, Ilocos Norte Mayor Michael Keon, cousin

Vice President Sara Duterte’s relatives are her brothers Davao Rep. Paolo Duterte and Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte. Their father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, will join the mayoral race.

Over the weekend, brothers ACT-CIS Rep. Erwin Tulfo and broadcaster Ben Tulfo filed their certificates of candidacy for senator. Should they win, they will serve with their brother Senator Raffy Tulfo.

The Tulfo brothers’ sister, former Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo, meanwhile, will seek a House seat as a nominee of Turismo party-list.

Incumbent Rep. Tulfo defended the dynasty that may be formed.

“As long as there’s no law yet, then we let the people decide. Kung may batas na ho (If there’s a law), then we stop,” he said.

Former Senator Manny Pacquiao, who is seeking a Senate comeback, shared the same view.

Pacquiao’s wife Jinkee is a nominee of the Maharlikang Pilipinas Bagong Lipunan party-list. His brothers are Sarangani Governor Ruel Pacquiao and General Santos City Councilor Bobby Pacquiao.

“Ang batas natin nagsasabi na lahat may karapatan na tumakbo basta ikaw ay qualified sa mga requirements. Ano ‘yung qualification na ‘yun? Marunong ka bumasa; Marunong ka sumulat. ‘Pag ‘di mo pinatakbo ‘yung isang tao, inalisan mo ng karapatan,” the boxer-turned-politician said.

[Translation: Our law states that everyone can run as long as they are qualified. What are the qualifications? That you can read and write. If you stop them, you are removing their rights.]

Senator Grace Poe’s son, Brian, filed his certificate as nominee of the FPJ party-list.

The younger Poe said nepotism is inevitable. “Hindi naman ako nahihiya na naging Poe ako. Maganda naman ang naging serbisyo ng pamilya namin [I am unashamed as a Poe. Our family speaks of a good track record],” he said.

Coronacion advised voters to go beyond popularity and instead have a standard. He added that the public should avoid those buying votes and without any stand on pressing national concerns.