Philippine’s Political Dynasty Essay

The 1987 Constitution of the Philippines states in Article II Section 26, â€Å"The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law. † How can we define political dynasty? Political dynasty is a family, clans or group that maintains power for several generations. These clans root themselves into our national and local governments for many decades. Almost every position in the government has been posted either by relatives, or friends who are indebted to the clan for appointing them into position. In a sense, they have already established political kingdoms throughout the country. In the course of the rising and expanding political kingdoms ruling over the country, it has become hard to tell where democracy is to be found. With rules unclear and morality questioned, people can never tell if they deserve more than what they are getting from the government. Political dynasties inhibit democracy, further adding instability and weakness of political institutions that are supposed to be working on their sense of rationality and individualism for the country. With political dynasties, it is no longer a question on qualifications and slogans, it will now be a question on connections and guns. The establishment of political dynasties is an effective way of monopolizing and perpetuating power. With various seats in the government occupied by a single family it would be easy to manipulate the system to benefit their family. The concept of check and balance will be thrown out the window. More often than not, politicians get to be elected not because of their merit, but because they belong to a family that is been in the government for generations.