Political dynasty, what?

There is an emerging political bloc that would fill the power vacuum of Philippine society composed of political players who subscribe to one historical given – political dynasty. Thus, at every layer of Philippine politics, be it – Senate, Congress, Provincial Capitols, City or Municipal Councils, Barangay Councils – we find people coming from a few number of families. Thus, we have the Cayetanos, Pimentels, Arroyos, Aquinos, Singsons, Binays, Ampatuans, Villafuertes, et al dominate politics at both the local or national scene. This has always been a vicious cycle but in no time than after this May 2007 has this been made more graphic, more foreboding, more abused. So, is political dynasticism here to stay?

Even supposed-to-be well-meaning individuals are guilty of this that it is almost illogical to believe that it is public service they are after any more than the ‘pork and perk’ that go with an elective positions in our realpolitik. Nene Pimentel did not as much as stop his son Koko; Pia his brother Alan; Cory his son Noynoy; et cetera. Philippine politics is a ‘corporation’ and this is more commonly known as the “Kamag-anak, Incorporated”. Thus, as they dominate the upper realm of Philippine political environment, they do so as well down below or the LGUs. That is not gerrymandering, is it? That is not by choice, is it? That is not for all the commissions, kickbacks, 50% cuts that you they could get, is it?

Getting into politics is the best business to get into, or so it seems. Even top economic experts from the boardrooms of Ayala or Buendia do agree with this belief that the short route to becoming instant millionaire is by becoming a congressman, a senator, a governor, et cetera. Well, perhaps, “power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely”. Indeed, we have a failed justice system that cannot really dispense justice. We have a Supreme Court that does not even as much as render prior judgment to pestering issues of public policy as they happen before their very eyes, however euphemistically blindfolded. Or why indeed would a judge allow herself to be blindfolded, what hypocrisy is that?

Our problem with scheme and scene where a single family for instance controls a given geo-political territory is that there is a higher likelihood that, given their political powers, they will amass fortune for themselves. Who would stop them in the first place if the governor, the congressman, the senator, the mayors, the barangay captains all come from a single family? We can see how the ‘concessionaire’ will be manned and operated. We can see how the business is being done. It is a political conspiracy by these ruling families, is it not?

Soon, we have two GMA sons in Congress with an Iggy Arroyo. We will have two Cayetanos (brother and sister), two Pimentels (son and father). What if we also did have two Magsaysays, two or more Estradas, two Biazons? What if we have more than two Revillas, more than two Jalosjoses, more than two Petillas, more than two Cojuangcos, et cetera? The Senate league, the Congress league, the Governors’ league, the mayors’ league – if they come and gather in Manila Hotel for a reception will find only a limited number of families running the affairs of corporate RP. What is this?

We do have a weak culture, altogether, come to think of it. There cannot anymore be a system of check and balance. There cannot anymore be a separation of powers when all the branches of government, be it – executive, legislative, and judicial – find families working together and ruled by one ‘worldview’. If at every layer of the entire bureaucracy, people from the same families can find each other, what do we have need of the Ombudsman, the Sandiganbayan, the RTCs (whose judges are appointed by their own congressmen), and a DOJ secretary who is always running amuck.

Poor us, pray tell there is any other hope left for this country. Political invasion has just taken place and we shall be subjected – as the governed – to all sorts of moral, social, cultural and intellectual punishment. When the counting is over, this is the most likely post-election scenario and it forebodes evil than good. Is there a escape out of this noose?

Perhaps, it is even time to rewrite the Constitution. Over time, we have more legislative districts created to bring forth its offspring – more congressmen. Over time, we have more party-list organizations to bring forth its offspring – more congressmen. Over time, we have more presidential appointees – failed senatorial and congressional aspirants – in the Cabinet. Poor us, indeed. The name of the game is – “God save the Queen” and JDV has published just another book for that, anyone?