PH: Why We Should Stop Electing Officials Without Merit

When I was younger, I used to marvel at the idea of royalty, kings, and kingdoms. I said to myself that here is nothing I'd ever want most in the world than to live in a world like that. Of course, I was an idiot for saying that because I already live in a world like that. A quick disclaimer though: I was a child back then and, of course, I wished to be a part of royalty myself because, like it or not, children like to dream of a world with no rules and an abundance for basically everything.

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What's funny is that that wish was already ringing true to begin with. I live in a king yet I was not a Princess. There were royalties though and those royals were often elected in our midst year after year with their never-ending slew of promises for ending corruption time after time. Let's talk about Political Dynasties.

I am writing this article with only one thing in mind. Shame. This is what I feel because I belong to a system rigged under "small monarchies" that may no longer become small in the coming years. 

According to Article II, Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution, "the state shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law" where a Political Dynasty Relationship happens when a person who is currently holding an elected position is related to someone else within the second civil degree of consanguinity/affinity, such as a spouse or relative, who is also running for or occupying the same position within the same city or province. 

Yet despite the fact of the matter, political dynasties are still in place and are still giving birth to more future officials to run this country to the ground. So why is that? Do bear in mind that these are not baseless accusations but, rather, an overall observation from firsthand experience or simply by watching how elections turn out every election. 

I'll tell you why: we do not have a law to prevent it. It's like a parent teaching their child that lying by omission is bad during dire situations but never enforcing a fixed rule to negatively reinforce them, let alone punish them.

Tadem and colleagues, the authors of the book Political Dynasties in the Philippines: Persistent Patterns, Perennial Problems noted that there are three reasons why this phenomenon is rampant:

• The political and socio-economic foundations upon which political dynasties are built. Dynasties aren't built overnight. This means that the scope of their influence does not stay within the confines of their government positions alone. They became ingrained so much in our society that they somewhat became a norm.

• The inability to effectively implement Philippine constitutional provisions by enacting an enabling law. As stated previously, we currently do not have a law that regulates nor enforces rules and guidelines to combat political dynasties. But how can we have this law if the people in power are members of the very alliance we need to remove?

• The weakness of potential countervailing forces that would challenge political dynasties. With majority over minority at play, fear, intimidation, and promises of wealth and opportunities at a transactional cost, it would be very hard to go against people who were born, live, and breathe politics in this day and age.

Even so, it has also been noted that political dynasties were able to maintain their power for decades by diversifying their economic interests. This has allowed them to adapt to changes and hold on to their political influence. This made it possible for even a smaller dynasty from a poor province can emerge by accumulating a variety of economic interests.

What Are the Implications of Electing Officials Without Merit?

Corruption, slow progression within/among municipalities, the position will most likely be filled with somebody from their group to stay relevant and, lastly, they are undermining the law of our constitution. To know more, check out this article from The Global Anticorruption Blog by Beatriz Paterno: The Philippines Must Break the Power of Political Dynasties

Proposed Solution

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I'll be going out on a limb and proposing this idea I've been brewing for years. Aside from bloodline or official affiliation alone, we should have a strict vetting system that resembles an applicant screening for corporate jobs. Of course, the points of consideration must include their family history, political background, educational attainment, psychological assessment, leadership skills, and capabilities of handling the duties of the position they are running for.

Even more so, I would like to highlight the ridiculousness of the reelection loophole where some officials max out their consecutive terms allowed, take a rest or two, and then start their first terms all over again. This move includes having an ally or a family member get elected to secure their hold while they are away. I would very much like for them to be removed or amended to discourage these people from doing what they do and that is corruption. Hence, the existence of the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill.

Conclusion

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There is no definite conclusion to this issue. However, I'd like to end this article on a better note. I am yet to become a "Princess"; I might never be a part of royalty because of my aversion to playing politics. I want to witness real progress one day. Maybe then, I'd put my faith in the system once more.

Things to Know

What is the aim of the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill?

This bill aims to widen the opportunities for young, competent, and promising poor candidates to occupy important positions in the government. 

Is there a law being enforced to prohibit Political Dynasties?

No. Proposals relating to or resembling an Anti-Political Dynasty Bill keep getting junked.

What's the difference between a Law and a Bill?

Think of a Bill as a draft version of a Law. It is not in its finality yet. This is why we refer to it as Anti-Political Dynasty Bill and not Anti-Political Dynasty Law.

References:

• (1987). THE 1987 CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES – ARTICLE II, Sec. 26-Sec. 27.
• Abad, M. (2021, June 16). #phvote guides: Why can politicians run for reelection despite term limits?. RAPPLER. https://www.rappler.com/nation/elections/guides-why-can-politicians-run-reelection-despite-term-limits-philippines/
• Center, A. (2016, October 12). Three Reasons Why Political Dynasties Persist in the Philippines. Asian Center. https://ac.upd.edu.ph/index.php/news-announcements/1173-read-three-reasons-why-political-dynasties-persist-philippines-tadem
• The legislative branch | Official Gazette of the Republic of the ... Official Gazette. (n.d.). https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/about/gov/the-legislative-branch/
• Bills are laws in the making. They pass into law when they are approved by both houses and the President of the Philippines.
• Paterno, B. (2014, November 18). The Philippines must break the power of political dynasties. GAB | The Global Anticorruption Blog. https://globalanticorruptionblog.com/2014/12/01/the-philippines-must-break-the-power-of-political-dynasties/
• Senate of the Philippines. (2019, July 1). S.B. No. 3 CL - legacy.senate.gov.ph. 3 jCL - Senate of the Philippines. https://legacy.senate.gov.ph/lisdata/3024627075!.pdf