Table of Contents
Introduction
This reflection essay will focus on political dynasty and its effect to socio-economic outcomes of the community. As define by Ronald U. Mendoza, political dynasty refers to the family units with members involved in government elected position. (Mendoza, 2013) Article 2 – Declaration of Principles and State Policies, Section 26 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states that the state must make sure access to opportunities for public service and disallow political dynasties as defined by law. There were efforts before to create a mechanism or enabling laws to prevent political dynasty from flourishing like the proposed House Bill 5925, by Bayan Muna Representative Satur Ocampo, Senate Bill 1904 of the late Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago and Senate Bill 12 of the late Senator Juan Flavier. However, these efforts were futile because the lawmakers who will facilitate these bills are also members of the political dynasty in the country. Political dynasty in the Philippines has contributed a lot in terms of income, health and education. However, the effects of political dynasty on Human Development Index (HDI) may vary depending on the geographical, political variables, and cultural and traditional background of the society.
Economic Growth
Political dynasty has a direct effect on the economic growth of the society and sometimes – political dynasty dictates the income of the people – and the way of life of the community. According to Dr. Josef T. Yap during his lecture last 13 March 2018 on globalization and development, he said the rate of poverty in provinces under political families are poorer compared to other provinces that has not been under political dynasties. Like in the case of provinces especially in the Southern Philippines where politics are dominated by political clans or warring families whose power is generated to local families, the rate of poverty is very high compared to provinces not under political dynasty. However, the case may not the same in the city/provinces wherein political dynasty has benefited the community in several reasons. Political dynasty has positive and negative effects in the community and its constituents.
Makati City is also under the political family of Binay from 1986 when President Corazon Aquino designated Binay as the mayor of Makati. Later, his son Junjun Binay, Daughter Abigail Binay run for public office. Political dynasty in the case of Makati has positive effect because Binays pursue long term development plan by providing good public services to the people. Makati City in 2016 has been number one (1) in economic dynamism in terms of income, market and business opportunities. Isabela City is under the family of Wahab Akbar who was later replaced by one of his wife Cherry Akbar. Other players as political power in the city and the province of Basilan are the Salapuddins and the Hatamans. Isabela City ranks 144 in economic dynamism and this is attributed to the mentality that they have connections and does not rely on bureaucratic competence to address economic concerns. These areas practice the culture of power because they feel they are isolated or they practice individualism.
127 our experts are availableright now
Health
In a conversation with Assistant Secretary Abdulkhalik M. Kasim of Department of Health, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DOH-ARMM), he said communities in ARMM under political dynasty suffer because it is the effect or result of the priority of the incumbent political leader. Usually the priority of the leaders under political dynasty is not the welfare of the people but on how to generate money to support the next election – for buying votes and weapons – for personal financial gain. In communities where politics is run by political clan and is in the island provinces; medical facilities, medical practitioners, and medicines usually are not available. Makati however is an exception of this because if I am not mistaken, Makati is providing free medical and dental services to the community.
Education
In political dynasty setting corruption is a prevalent indicator. And this is attributed to the fact that most of the members in the bureaucracy are members of the family if not members of the clan. There are instances where members of the family members are included in the payroll of teachers and it compromises the quality and standard of education. In Makati; political dynasty has a different face, they are offering free college education and even graduate studies for its elderly constituents who want to continue their education.
Conclusion
Political dynasty has upside and downside effects. It cut across the different public sectors and services “I do not believe in political movements. I believe in personal movement, that movement of the soul when a man who looks at himself is so ashamed that he tries to make some sort of change – within himself, not on the outside” -Joseph Brodsky-
