Labor leader and senatorial candidate, lawyer Luke Espiritu, scrutinized the rampant political dynasties in the country.
He noted that these families occupy some of the Philippines’ top positions and have taken their influence to the next level.
“Umabot na ang dynasties sa rurok ng kanilang kapangyarihan,” Espiritu said.
In ABS-CBN’s Harapan series, Espiritu said that political dynasties were once primarily localized.
“It is fast evolving. Ang ating national government, ang Malacañang, will be contested by two dynasties: dynasties of the north and dynasties of the south,” he added.
He stressed that this issue is worsening and has become more prevalent in the country.
He also pointed out the growing fear among the people, as these dynasties are allegedly violent, with voters being threatened, which suppresses their free will.
“Mayroon pang openly diba? ‘Kapag hindi niyo ko minahal, wala kayong P10,000 o P15,000.’ Iyan ay hindi free choice. Ang dynasties ay nandyan kasi nakakatakot sila,” he said.
The lawyer explained that the power of these families stems from a combination of public funds and intimidation, which they use to dominate social media and mainstream media.
“These are manufactured consent; hindi totoong consent yan. Kung gusto natin ng totoong consent, anong gusto ng taumbayan, alisin natin ang factor ng pera at makinarya. Tingnan natin kung totoong bobotohin sila,” he said.
In related news, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is set to hear a disqualification petition against the Tulfo family for allegedly violating the constitutional provision against political dynasties.