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The time has come for the Filipino people to demand stronger laws that prohibit political dynasties and nepotism in government
The announcement that Vilma Santos is running for governor of Batangas while one of her sons is running for vice governor and another for congressman underscores a significant problem in Philippine politics — nepotism. This practice is one of the primary reasons why the Philippines continues to struggle in achieving true political and economic development.
Political nepotism not only consolidates power within a family, but also turns public office into a family enterprise. It weakens the checks and balances essential for a functioning democracy and makes it easier for elected officials to collude for personal gain at the expense of public interest.
While I personally admire Vilma Santos for her achievements as an actress and politician — first as mayor, then governor, and congresswoman — her decision to endorse her sons for top positions raises serious ethical concerns. Vilma Santos was undeniably efficient and effective in her governance, improving the lives of Batangueños. However, endorsing her children in political offices while she is still active signals the entrenchment of a political dynasty, which, although legal, is fundamentally unethical and immoral.
Are there no other competent leaders in Batangas aside from her family? This move stifles the potential of other capable politicians who could serve the public but are excluded simply because they do not belong to an influential family.
Political nepotism and its legal implications
Political nepotism is prevalent in the Philippines, largely due to the lack of stringent legal prohibitions. The 1987 Philippine Constitution acknowledges this problem, but stops short of providing an enforceable solution. Article II, Section 26 of the Constitution states, “The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.” Unfortunately, this provision lacks teeth because Congress, dominated by political dynasties, has failed to pass an enabling law to define and regulate political dynasties.
Political nepotism ensures that power remains within elite families, limiting the opportunities for emerging leaders who come from non-elite backgrounds. Bright and promising public servants, particularly those from poor families, have little to no chance of breaking the glass ceiling imposed by dynastic politics. This creates a political landscape where elected officials are chosen not on merit, but on familial ties, depriving the country of the full range of talent and competence needed for nation-building.
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The consequences of dynastic politics
The problem with political dynasties goes beyond merely consolidating power — it undermines democracy itself. Once entrenched in power, political dynasties will do everything in their capacity to remain there, often resorting to corruption and violence. Studies have shown that areas dominated by political dynasties tend to suffer from higher rates of poverty, weaker institutions, and rampant corruption. This is because dynastic families are more concerned with maintaining their power base than addressing the needs of the people. Political offices are treated as private fiefdoms rather than as public trusts.
The case of Vilma Santos is not unique. The Philippine Senate and House of Representatives are filled with political dynasties, where seats are passed down from one family member to another. This has become a systemic illness in the country’s political system, and, unless checked, it will continue to erode public trust in government institutions.
Political nepotism can indeed be considered a form of corruption, albeit one that is socially and legally tolerated in the Philippines. The Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act No. 3019) prohibits public officials from abusing their positions for personal gain, including acts that lead to undue advantage for family members. While political nepotism may not always involve direct financial gain, it distorts the democratic process and gives undue advantage to family members, thus violating the spirit of fair governance.
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The need for legislative reform
A law explicitly prohibiting political dynasties and nepotism in government is long overdue. However, Congress, which is composed mostly of members of political dynasties, is unlikely to pass such a law. This is where the people’s initiative process, enshrined in the Constitution, comes into play. Under Republic Act No. 6735 (The Initiative and Referendum Act), the Filipino people can initiate laws directly, bypassing Congress if necessary. A well-organized and widespread initiative could pressure the government to pass anti-nepotism laws that are long overdue.
Political nepotism is a blight on Philippine democracy, perpetuating inequality, corruption, and underdevelopment. The case of Vilma Santos and her sons running for top political positions in Batangas highlights the extent of this problem. While individuals like Santos may have good intentions, the practice of consolidating political power within families limits opportunities for other capable leaders and undermines the democratic process.
The time has come for the Filipino people to demand stronger laws that prohibit political dynasties and nepotism in government. Only through collective action can we ensure that public office serves the interests of the many, not the few. – Rappler.com
Raymund E. Narag, PhD, is an associate professor in Criminology and Criminal Justice at the School of Justice and Public Safety, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.
