Beware the rise of dynasties, cronies and strongmen

[superadmin]

The 2022 Philippine elections result again underlines the stranglehold that dynasties and clans have on this Asean member country. Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr is the new president, replacing Rodrigo Duterte whose six-year term ended on June 30.

His father was the dictator Ferdinand Marcos who fled his country in 1986 when the people rose up against his regime.

Today, Marcos Jr is president, his sister Imee is a senator and his son Ferdinand Alexander won election to Congress representing Ilocos Norte, the family’s stronghold. The president’s cousin Martin Romualdez is poised to be the next house speaker.

New vice-president Sara Duterte’s father is the outgoing president. Her brother Sebastian succeeds her as Davao mayor while another brother, Paolo, has won a seat in the House of Representatives. Outgoing president Duterte was once Davao mayor too, and his father had earlier served as governor of Davao province.

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