UP professor Jean Encinas-Franco. (Photo from UP’s Department of Political Science)
Citing that the House version of the proposed anti-political dynasty bill is not enough to resolve the issues plaguing this social ill, a well-known political analyst from the University of the Philippines (UP) emphasized that voter education alone will likewise prove to be lacking in efforts to stop political dynasties from manipulating politics in the country.
According to UP political science professor Jean Encinas-Franco, ending political dynasties in the Philippines goes beyond just voter education or the simple prohibition of blood relations from running for election because both continue to have influence on the Filipino masses.
Encinas-Franco pointed out that many of our countrymen are still dependent on politicians for their basic service needs, and this in effect makes voter education alone ineffective in solving the long-time concern of some families exercising influence over local politics and governance.
“Ang pinaka-solution talaga nito ay maging efficient ang gobyerno sa pagbigay ng social services. Kasi kung ang lahat ay ‘di kailangang pumila, ‘di kailangang lumapit sa politiko, napaka-ideal ng sitwasyon na ‘yon,” the UP professor cited.
Based on a recent report by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), it was revealed that 113 out of 149 cities across the archipelago are controlled and lorded over by political dynasties, many of whose members or positioned leaders are seeking reelection in the upcoming elections two years from now.
Among them is former president Rodrigo ‘Rody’ Duterte (FPRRD), who, despite his imprisonment in the Netherlands on charges of crimes against humanity, is aiming to return to power as mayor of Davao City. It has been confirmed that FPRRD will be running in 2028, with his son, Davao City’s current mayor Sebastian ‘Baste’ Duterte, running as his vice mayor.
Meanwhile, Duterte’s daughter, Vice President ‘Inday’ Sara Duterte-Carpio, who also held the mayoral position several times, has declared that she has decided to aim for the presidency.
Apart from the Dutertes, ACT-CIS party-list representative Erwin Tulfo and his brother, Bienvenido ‘Ben’ Tulfo, are both running for senator in 2028. Both have been lording it over in most pre-election surveys even as their older brother, Rafael ‘Raffy’ Tulfo, is currently a member of the Senate.
Moreover, Las Piñas’ Camille Villar-Genuino, who is also running for senator, could join her brother, Senator Mark Villar, in the upper chamber. She could be replaced by her mother, Senator Cynthia Villar, who’s vying for the congressional seat in Las Piñas. Their patriarch, former senator Manuel ‘Manny’ Villar, is still among the richest persons in the Philippines.
“Nakabaon na sila doon sa mga lugar kung nasaan sila (political dynasties). Sila na ‘yung may-ari ng mga business over the years. Can you imagine ‘yung namamasukan sa private companies nila, tapos ‘yung mga taong umaasa sa scholarships nila, sa ayuda. Talagang iboboto sila,” Encinas-Franco noted.
