Political dynasties: The culprits

Amid attempts of disruptions, the second iteration of the Trillion Peso March was successfully held last November 30, 2025 in Metro Manila. Relatively peaceful, similar protests were also held in other major cities throughout the country. Each of these rallies or protests is crying for just one thing, accountability of public servants (politicians and government employees alike).  

This is so surprising. For one, the government’s processes, where checks and balances are embedded, are supposed to be in place. In fact, this supposed multi-layered processes in the bureaucracy have been blamed for the snail-paced deliveries or, worse, under-deliveries. Worse, this is happening despite the post-audit initiatives of the Commission on Audit.

Honestly, the same processes are also established in professionally-run private corporations (whether listed or family-owned). Similarly, in business, to safeguard company’s assets, internal control system is established and made sure to be adequate. To ensure success, the internal control system is structured to have both basic and supervisory controls. With this in mind, the company’s organizational structure is so designed that each person does not handle incompatible functions. It is established in a way that the internal control’s cardinal rule of segregation of duties is well observed and checks and balances are assured. On top of these, most companies made it a policy that their personnel are rotated periodically to ensure that the work of another person shall be reviewed and accountabilities established upon turnover. Yet, despite the similarities, corruption is so rampant in the government.

Government bureaucracy and professionally-run businesses situations juxtaposed, the difference is so stark. For one, with a congress and, worst, local government units ran like traditional family-owned corporations by our government leaders (who have made sure their family members are in key positions, whether by election or appointment), the internal control aspect of governance is set aside. Worse, while there are term limitations on elected officials, positions are handed over to their kins despite the successors obvious handicaps. Consequently, corruption pervades and has remained unabated. 

This is so revolting considering that this was already recognized in our 1987 constitution.  Our constitution explicitly states in Article II Section 26 that, "The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.” 

However, despite this constitutional prohibition and strong clamors for change in the country’s political landscape, huge clans have continued to grow not only in numbers and in strength but territories as well. Why? Though prohibited by our constitution, the enabling laws never saw the light of day. Thus, in the absence of such laws, their (political dynasties) fate in every election rest on a “telenovela-enamored” and seemingly parasitical population that pervasively decide solely on the candidates’ popularity, and, to some extent, the political clans’ dubious generosity and vote-buying capabilities. Obviously, therefore, they stayed. 

Truth to tell, to these political clans, they’ve made their elective positions their businesses or livelihoods to bank on. Thus, just like any businesses, they pass it on to their future generations. Unlike privately owned businesses, however, their hold to such devious inheritances is perpetuated at our expense. How? The answer is so simple.

First and foremost, it breeds cronyism and nepotism. History tells us what happened then when Pres. Marcos had Danding Cojuangco ruled the coconut industry and Roberto Benedicto, the sugar industry. Then, both industries were in a mess and the wealth was just concentrated on the few elite-the cronies. Thus, the economy was in shambles and the rest of us have become unwilling paupers. 

Moreover, it begets nepotism.  Notably, even family corporations abhor nepotism because of its disadvantages.  First, it denies the business of highly qualified individuals who are really fit for the job.  Secondly, when relatives are placed in incompatible functions, internal control is compromised.  Inarguably, these instances are both unhealthy for the business.

Indeed, as politicians (from dynasties) and their cohorts (cronies and relatives) deceitfully siphon money from the government’s treasury through illegitimate deals, the economy starves.  Therefore, even in the absence of the enabling laws, let us not give these TRAPOs and their descendants the opportunity to eternally stay and be in a position to steal conveniently and conceal perpetually.