The Philippines' Economy
Political Dynasties and Development
How political families dominate Philippine politics at national and local levels, and what research says about dynasties and poverty.
Philippine politics is dominated by political families.
Scale
- A large share of elected officials, from Congress to local posts, belong to dynasties.
- Families like the Marcoses, Dutertes, Aquinos and many local clans hold power for generations.
Constitution
The 1987 Constitution says the state shall prohibit political dynasties, but Congress never passed an enabling law.
Research
- Studies by the Asian Institute of Management and others found provinces with more dominant dynasties tend to have higher poverty, especially outside Manila.
- Dynasties may reduce competition and accountability.
Why dynasties persist
- Name recognition.
- Money and patronage networks.
- Weak parties.
Comparison with India
India also has political families, and research debates their effects on development.
The family province
In one province, the governor, congressman and several mayors are relatives, making it hard for challengers to compete.
Thinking dynasties are harmless tradition
Research links dominant dynasties to higher poverty.
Key takeaways
- Political families dominate Philippine politics.
- The Constitution bans dynasties, but no law enforces it.
- Research links dynasties to higher poverty.
- Name recognition and money sustain them.
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