Elected seats may be taken up by those who share the same surname, but the power to usher change remains in the people, according to a professor from the De La Salle University-Dasmariñas (DLSU-D).
Dr. Rommel Mazo of the DLSU-D’s School of Governance, Public Service and Corporate Leadership emphasized that the people usher development in democracies through the political actors they vote for.
“The power to change doesn’t reside solely in government officials or political actors, but in the people. Sovereignty resides in them. Whoever is in government, whether it’s a dynasty or not, and the people remain the same in their thinking—not critically aware of what’s happening—we can’t expect anything. It goes in two ways: change should happen both in the government and the people.”
Mazo said political families continue to dominate the elections due to the continuity of leadership where local government-backed programs and projects continue.
On the other hand, fundamental democratic processes such as checks and balances and concentration of powers tend to be overlooked due to the prevalence of political dynasties.
“The principle of checks and balances, the principle of equal opportunity for public service, and the principle of meritocracy can be undermined when we have a political dynasty, and when we say political dynasty, it’s almost equivalent to a concentration of power.”
Mazo emphasized the importance of political maturity among the electorate, wherein candidates are placed elected based on their qualifications and not on their affiliations.
“It’s always two things: those who are running and those who are voting. Now, if the people are politically aware, they won’t vote for individuals running simply based on their affiliation with families or political dynasties. If they know who is qualified, despite their affiliations, they will vote for the qualified ones.”
The 2019 National and Local Elections placed a spotlight on political families where 80 percent of elected candidates were related to incumbent officials, and 67 percent of members of the Congress had family members who were already in government.
Political maturity, or the ability to take an informed approach when participating in political activities such as elections, also contributes to the survival of political dynasties.
“Now, if the people are politically aware, they won’t vote for individuals running simply based on their affiliation with families or political dynasties. If they know who is qualified, despite their affiliations, they will vote for the qualified ones.”
For the Center for Civic Education, a non-profit organization based in the United States, democracies like the Philippines place the ultimate authority in the people from which the government derives its right to government from their consent through elections. Government powers are limited by law and a written or unwritten constitution in which those in power obey.
“Political dynasties prevail because we allow them to prevail. The choice is ours because the people are sovereign, and it’s the people who have the power to change the political landscape of the country.”
Mazo further noted that public service requires competence, principles, and values among its workers–regardless if they are continuing a dynasty or challenging one. (PB/PIA4A)
