...to define a political dynasty
By jeanneyvonne
@jeanneyvonne (5501)
Philippines
October 11, 2012 7:06am CST
As many of you know, election time will be in full swing in the near future. Most of the people who filed their certificate of candidacy. Majority of those who are running again for a position are either seasoned politicians or very near relations of their family. Very near relations which also carry the same family name. May they be brothers,sisters, fathers, sons,daughters, in-laws, wives and others ,they comprise the stock of our candidates. Some candidates even deny or even say that they are not forming a political dynasty or they see the said dynasty in a more positive view. But how do we define political dynasty anyway? What''s your definition of the term?
2 people like this
6 responses
@bhabycatch013 (9150)
• Philippines
11 Oct 12
hi jeane,
Political Dynasty is like the Estrada in San Juan
The Eusebio in Pasig
Binay in Makati and many more
It's like their father will be the politician first then the next election it will be the wife then it will be the son/daughter then the son/ daughter partners and it goes on.
We have lot of here in our country
happy mylotting
@namiya (1718)
• Philippines
11 Oct 12
the Ampatuans, and a lot lot more. and their justification is "let the people decide" or "to continue the programs" started by the father, uncle or what have you but how come particularly the poor provinces that were governed by same clans for decades have remained impoverished to date? but the reigning clans live a totally different lifestyle from the "people who decided to let them stay in power."
@jeanneyvonne (5501)
• Philippines
15 Oct 12
As I said,sorting a traditional name in the political area is the first indicator. although I don't usually judge people by their families or family names, sometimes they are made iwth same mold. In a sense, the apple doesn't fall far form the tree. Some families are treating their area as their own with only a election to keep their power legitimate and palatable to our government system
@rsa101 (38126)
• Philippines
14 Oct 12
For as long as the family are filling up all the political position that are available in the their area or on national level then I call them as dynasties since they seem to not happy with just one running and they wanted to cover everything to control their territory.
I think this is sad since the place becomes filled with their presence that the family looks like they own the place already. I do not feel that is democracy anymore when certain groups of family monopolize the power of a certain place or jurisdiction. I think in a democratic from of government everyone should be given the chance to rule over and not just a few powerful ones.
@jeanneyvonne (5501)
• Philippines
15 Oct 12
In a certain sense, it doesn't feel like a democracy. The main aim is to choose the best guy or gal for the job from the populace. I don't think it was crafted to serve the oligarchy or the wealthy families like ancient Rome. Although it is quite sensible, the COMELec's standard in choosing candidates (the ones who could perform a campaign on a national level ) is a form of discrimination as well. Just makes you think that politics is just about money after all.
@dorisday1971 (5657)
• Philippines
13 Oct 12
In the Philippines, political dynasty is very common.
Political families don't want to give that precious public office to other people once they get it.
Politics is sort of being adictive to some.
@jeanneyvonne (5501)
• Philippines
15 Oct 12
Now, that you mentioned it is easy to get addicted to the position and the power. Especially if you remain uncontested fora number of elections. People will start gettign afraid of their leaders instead of leaders being accounted to by their own people. Sad that sometimes the table is turned for the bad.
@murkie (1103)
• Philippines
11 Oct 12
political dynasty is when a family rules a certain community for several consecutive terms. a politician can only rule for so many terms. and if that wears out, s/he promotes a relative (usually a politically-inexperienced one) to continue the "legacy". most voters would fall for it eventually. then some other relatives would fill out the few other positions in the government. and there you go, that certain community would be in the hands of a single family. in some cases, these families will rename the existing roads, public establishments and entire towns into their own ancestors.
@jeanneyvonne (5501)
• Philippines
15 Oct 12
Yup, voters do fall for it and it makes me sad. I mean, what's gonna change if almost the same person takes over? Hardly anything, especially,if the position is only sought for just to keep it occupied. About the naming, you would think that this certain family is the only one living in that area and they are the only ones who matter.
@yahnee (1243)
• Philippines
11 Oct 12
Political dynasty means we are voting for a family from the father, mother, daughter, son until the grandchildren and the grand children's children, on and on and on. it looks like there is not end this political dynasty; however, some of the kin are also good politicians while the others are just carrying the name. will we ever see an end to this political dynasty? I doubt since no bill will ever pass on this political dynasty inasmuch as almost all politicians are aiming to do the same thing.
@jeanneyvonne (5501)
• Philippines
15 Oct 12
I pretty much agree with you. As long as there are in power and people keep voting for them, there is no end in this political tradition. And to think that this not allowed in our Constitution. Sometimes,it makes me think that some laws are not really implemented nor respected herein our country.
@Jopet2010 (10)
• Philippines
11 Oct 12
Politicians dominating in an area with different name but related to one family name. It's common in our country now. We cannot avoid this way of our political history lately because not written in our constitution. No violation at all. Also it's a matter of casting our own votes to some of them.
@jeanneyvonne (5501)
• Philippines
15 Oct 12
Actually, I think there is a provision in our Constitution that bans this practice but it is not very well defined. But nobody cares since everybody does it. As long as one family member finishes a third term any other family member can replace for the position. The same goes for otehr positions. It kinda funny, ironic and sad that family member meet in a government council and also meeting at the same dining table in their home.
