Too much family dynasties

With Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. as president, and possibly sister Imee Marcos-Manotoc as Senate president and first cousin, Martin Romualdez as Speaker of the House, what will happen to our democracy? What is its impact to our checks and balances, to our separation of powers and our avoidance of concentration of authority? Is the Republic of the Philippines going to become a virtual family corporation? I'm not accusing, only asking.

In the Senate, we have a mother and son sitting beside each other, Madam Cynthia and Sir Mark Villar representing the Villar business empire. We have Ate Pia and Alan Peter, children of the same dad and mom, coming from the small village of Taguig and sitting together to decide the destiny of men and nation. We have two brothers, Kuya Jinggoy and JV, the good one, sons of the same father and two different mothers, even using different family names, both senators at the same time. Had Jojo Binay made it to the Magic 12, he would have been assisted and attended to by his daughter, the honorable Nancy Binay.

In Bicolandia, political dynasties dominated the last elections. Governor Vincenzo Luigi Villafuerte will replace his term limited older brother Miguel as governor of Camarines Sur. Migz won as fifth district representative. LRay, their dad, won his third term as congressman of the second district. Antonio Kho won as governor, his  wife Olga also won as vice governor. Their three children Wilton, Richard and Ara won as representatives of the first, second and third districts. Masbate is now a virtual Kho family cooperative. Tintin Hao-Kho is elected Mandaon town mayor.

The Villars and Aguilars still rule Las Pinas, the Olivarez brothers dominate Parañaque, the Remullas, Revillas and Tlentinos still control Cavite. The Gatchalians dominate Valenzuela and the Binays continue to govern Makati. Even the partylist system has been bastardized by the dynasties. Tingog Sinirangan is a creation of Martin Romuladez with his wife Yedda as top nominee. Civac is the family party list of Eddie Villanueva. Ako Ilocano is Chavit Singson's concoction. AGAP is a vehicle of Tito Sotto's children.

Here in Cebu, in many towns the mayors, vice mayors and councilors are all related within four degrees by blood or affinity. Lapu-Lapu city mayor and representative are husband and wife. In Danao, the city is dominated by the Duranos. In Liloan, the mayor is Frasco, the vice mayor is Frasco and the congressman is Frasco. In Davao, all the important posts are occupied by either a Duterte or a Duterte nominee. The same is true in Ilocos Norte and in Leyte. Is this the government for the people, by the people and of the people? I'm not accusing, just asking.