A growing movement in the Philippines challenges the dominance of political dynasties, demanding greater accountability from elected officials and a shift towards more responsive governance. Archbishop Socrates Villegas urges scrutiny of the national budget, while the Clergy and Citizens for Good Governance coalition highlights the corruption fueled by dynastic power. The upcoming May 2025 midterm elections are seen as a crucial test for this movement, with numerous challenges to entrenched political families across the country.
As most societies delegate both executive and legislative powers to their public officials, accountability on the part of these officials is crucial for the efficient functioning of a modern economy. Citizens must be assured that the delegation of these powers is effective and not abused by authorities. Without accountability, there is a lack of trust between the government and the governed, leading to social instability and hindering economic growth.
In the Philippines, certain segments of the population have expressed concern over the declining state of economic and political governance. Archbishop Socrates Villegas, in a pastoral letter to his congregation in the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan, urged them to scrutinize the recently approved 2025 national budget. He lamented the budget cuts to health, education, and agriculture sectors in the General Appropriations Act (GAA) passed by Congress last month. The Clergy and Citizens for Good Governance (CCGG), a coalition of over 60 organizations representing diverse sectors of Filipino society, believes the P6.3-trillion GAA propagates corruption, partly due to the existence of political dynasties. Led by bishops from the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and other religious denominations, alongside retired uniformed service officers and civil society members, CCGG demands public accountability. There are growing calls for the passage of the long-overdue Anti-Dynasty Law, mandated by the 1987 Philippine Constitution. A research study by Education Undersecretary Ronald Mendoza, when he was dean of Ateneo de Manila University's School of Government, demonstrated the link between dynastic concentration and economic underdevelopment in various regions.Recent local elections have witnessed challenges to entrenched political dynasties. For example, in 2019, Mayor Vico Sotto defeated the well-established Eusebio dynasty in Pasig City, which had ruled for 27 years. In Davao del Norte, veteran congressman Antonio Floirendo Jr. was defeated by newcomer Alan Dujali in the second legislative district, where the Floirendo family had dominated for over two decades. The Del Rosario clan in Davao del Norte also faced setbacks in 2019. Anthony del Rosario, then the incumbent congressman, lost to former speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, while former provincial board member Rodney del Rosario was defeated by Edwin Jubahib for the gubernatorial post.This trend is expected to continue in the May 2025 midterm elections. The second legislative district of Parañaque City, where the Tambunting couple has held power for over a decade, is a case in point. Rep. Gustavo Tambunting has served three non-consecutive terms, while his wife, Joy, temporarily replaced him in 2019. He then won again in 2022. Challenging him is Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Brian Yamsuan, a newcomer to Congress who has lived in Barangay BF Homes, part of Parañaque's second district, for nearly 25 years. An SWS survey conducted in November revealed that 51 percent preferred Yamsuan compared to 38 percent for Tambunting, with 11 percent undecided or supporting other candidates. In 2022, Tambunting secured 53 percent of the votes against lawyer Josef Maganduga, who garnered 47 percent. This outcome, despite the latter lacking a strong political organization, raised doubts about Tambunting's dominance. Yamsuan's candidacy was encouraged by constituents who believe his strong challenge can end the Tambunting dynasty. The quality of service and fulfillment of campaign promises are key factors influencing voters in highly urbanized areas. Powerful dynasties with substantial financial resources and well-established political networks have faced defeats as citizens become more discerning about elected officials' performance. Moreover, they are increasingly vocal in demanding accountability and good governance, which are essential for any nation. Leaders must therefore improve or face losing the trust of their people
Political Dynasties Accountability Governance Philippines Anti-Dynasty Law Elections Corruption
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