CORRUPTION’S offspring, the reason of poverty, and the main cause of the problems in the Philippines - these are some of the descriptions I get about political dynasties in the Philippines.
When I hear this I ask myself why do people say that these things are bad or why do they say they are somehow instrumental to the practices of corruption. I asked some government officials about this and each of them had their own answer.
There were those who said that a political dynasty is a way for power hungry families to keep their authority, which they all believe is bad. While others say that a political dynasty is something for the good of the community since they elect leaders from the same family whom they know are deserving and reliable.
One of the things I learned in this contemporary issue is the fact that each side relies heavily on family or someone really close. As Filipinos this makes sense given that we are a family oriented people. But this alone does not say that political dynasties are bad or good.
To decide this, we have to open our mind to the issue itself. It is true that there are political dynasties that are bad and corrupt and people may use this as proof to say they are bad. But this alone cannot justify the conclusion that all political dynasties are bad. There are those dynasties that actually help the people they serve and they give their positions to their relatives who they see are responsible and favorable with the people ensuring that the people still benefit from their administration.
It's because of these two perspectives on the issue that make it difficult for not only the government but local people to distinguish if a political dynasty is bad or good for the community.
To put simply, the issue of political dynasties is a minefield, I myself don't support nor despise political dynasties. But after some deep thought and talking with some local officials I see that the simplest way to solve this problem that appeases both sides is to not foolishly judge through the name of the person but by their actions, decisions, and platforms for the community. If those decisions and actions only benefit those in power then down with them but if they are meant for the greater good of the people then they shall be congratulated for their actions and decisions are more powerful than their family names.
However, it is up to the people to discern if a person’s family name is more valuable than the person’s character. (Joaquin William Cuevas, Xavier University Junior High School)