Philippines Elections: All in the Family
Elite families have long ruled the poverty-ravaged nation, holding on to positions of power for generations by dishing out favors, buying votes or resorting to violence.
Analysts say the system has become more pervasive in the decades since a popular uprising deposed Marcos and forced his family into exile.
New dynasties have entrenched themselves in politics, smothering electoral competition, stunting economic development and worsening inequality
“Power begets power — the more they stay in power, the more they accumulate power, the more powerful they get,” said Julio Teehankee, a professor at De La Salle University in Manila.
The archipelago has produced about 319 dynastic families, dating back to when the country was a US colony in the first half of the 20th century, Teehankee said.
Dozens have withered, but in 2019, members of at least 234 such families won positions in mid-term elections, he said.
Source: Licas News
