Politics Talk

Political dynasties in the Philippines: is it really just the voters' fault?

Every time foreigners discuss Philippine politics online, the conclusion is 'Filipinos keep voting for the same families, so they deserve it.' I find that too easy.

In a lot of provinces the same family controls the local government, the jobs, the hospital funding. As a doctor I have seen patients told directly which office helped with their bills. When your medicine depends on it, a vote is not a free abstract choice.

I'm not saying voters have no responsibility. But I'd like people to look at the system, weak parties, no real enforcement of the anti-dynasty idea in the constitution, money in campaigns, before blaming poor families for being rational.