Feature Article
By Manny C. Dela Cruz
HERE in the Philippines, the two words political dynasty cannot be given a proper definition although the provision regarding this is stated in our Constitution which is stated in Article II, Section 26 of our charter said. “The State shall guarantee equal access to public service and prohibit political dynasty as may be defined by law.”
Dynasty is a root word that has long been used in countries with kings and queens. The dynasty system was also used during the emperors of the Roman Empire. Therefore the throne of the king and emperor is passed on to their successors just like King Herod of biblical times that many Herods inherited the throne of the king of Judea’s kingdom.
In our country, the dynasty system is not applicable, even if it is said that relatives only change positions in public office thus, that’s actually the trend everywhere in the country. So even if they are just changing seats, it still cannot be said that they are included in the anti-political dynasty provision of our Constitution.
So only the names of well-known families in towns, cities, provinces, even in the national position who always join in the battle during elections time. Also, the political system in the Philippines is too corrupt. In particular, the monopoly of a few well-known families who always run for any political position always wins and sits in the power of the government. They are the only ones who hold the future of the people. Or it’s easier to say that they hold the future of the people for the political and economic benefit of “sila-sila system.”
So after the election the veteran politicians, the same names are also the winners. Even if they are real siblings, they both win, but they are not covered by Article II, Section 26 of the Philippine Constitution because the line as may be defined by law is mentioned there. It is necessary to clarify or give an appropriate definition to the said provision
Earlier, the militant party-list group Bayan Muna has also reiterated its call for immediate passage of anti-political dynasty law According to a 2012 study published in the Philippine Political Science Journal, most government positions are held by politicians, who are members of political dynasties. From 1995 to 2007, an average of 31.3 percent of all congressmen and 23.1 percent of governors were replaced by relatives.
Since there is no existing law against political dynasty, and the proposed anti-political dynasty law has not been ratified, the powerful political clans enjoy this political monopoly. As long as there is a lot of money, a wide base and a large group of supporters, they are sure to always win with a political monopoly.
Because of a rotten system like that, most of today’s voters have also become accustomed to the “politika ng pera” (politics of money). Their reasoning is that whichever candidate can give them money during the election campaign period is the one they will vote for. Because of that, politicians or candidates who have already memorized the tickle of the voters know what they are going to do and they will even say that “money is their only counterpart.”
Every election season there are many types of voters that come up besides the term that “botanteng mukhang pera” )(voters looks like money), there is also the term voter for voters who does not use his mind and whoever can be written on the ballot, he doesn’t care. So the name they hear most often will be the one to write “hindi nga kasi nag-iisip”(because they are not thinking well) There are voters who just following the crowd’s approach and say “bahala na” (it’s up to them.)
If the election is over and the elected candidates are in office, that’s when the voters who are just going with the flow will think and ask themselves if their decision was right or wrong. What if the decision is sloppy? They will wait again for the next election. (UnliNews Online)
