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Dynasties breed poverty, poverty breeds dynasties

GOTCHA
Jarius Bondoc (The Philippine Star)
February 19, 2018

Which came first, political dynasties or poverty? That chicken-and-egg question has always bugged academics. Researchers from the Ateneo University School of Government tracked the politicos and penury in all 82 provinces over two decades, and came up with the answer. The worse the poverty, the likelier dynasties are to fatten. And when dynasts take hold, poverty stays too.

Dean Ronald Mendoza explains the results of their study by first distinguishing two types of dynasties. The "thin" one consists of kinsmen, say, a father, son, and grandson, succeeding the other in one elective position one at a time. They tend to serve better to keep their good name. The "fat" dynasty has at least three members of a family simultaneously holding positions. The relatives -- spouses, parents, siblings, offspring -- sit as provincial governor, vice governor, board member, city and municipal mayor, vice mayor, councilor, and congressman. They "rigodon" every election. Rigodon is a dance in which pairs sashaying in a circle change partners every so often.

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Poverty tends to perpetuate dynasties. In some locales, Mendoza narrates, poor folk noticed that funds were not trickling down because their leaders did not come from the ruling dynasty. In the next election they voted in a dynast in the hope of funds finally flowing in. They were wrong of course.

The Ateneo study shows that fat dynasties rule the 12 poorest provinces: Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sarangani, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-tawi, all in Mindanao. Fat dynasties also exist in Luzon and Visayas: Bulacan, Batangas, Ilocos Sur, Abra, Kalinga-Apayao, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Masbate, Northern Samar, Western Samar, Eastern Samar, Biliran, Siquijor, and Negros Oriental, among others.

Dynasties foment warlordism. Clans violently clash for control. At one time in Maguindanao, 23 Ampatuans held political office at the same time, and crushed the rival clans. When they fell, the Midtimbangs came to hold 12 posts simultaneously; the Mangudadatus 11, and the Sinsuats seven.

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Modernization, migration, and education can weaken dynasties. It is always tough for citizens to escape the clutches of poverty in their locale. But by chance, some are able to get good education, form a business, and gather following to push for political and economic reforms. Through media coverage and steadfast campaigning by civic-minded fellows, they get elected. Unfortunately they can become the new dynasts.

By chance, too, good hearts enlighten certain dynasts to change their ways. One such was multi-term Naga City Mayor Jessie Robredo. In forums in the 2000s, Robredo recounted coming from a family of traditional politicians, at that time derisively called "trapos" (rags). His grandfather, father, and uncle were Marcos loyalists who, like most politicos under martial law, ruled by patronage. The poor, kept ignorant, subsisted on dole-outs. Robredo happened to become a scholar at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government where he learned the use of politics for development. Applying the lessons to Camarines Sur, he elevated his penurious province-mates to middle class status. In 2010-2012 he could have replicated his accomplishments nationwide as Secretary of Interior and Local Government, had not death in a plane crash overtaken him.

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