71 Governors Are Part of Political Dynasties
This story was the first in a two-part series published by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism .To read the full series, please click here. (Photo credit: Facebook)
Political dynasties continue to hold a tight grip on provinces in the Philippines.
By the count of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), at least 71 of the country’s 82 provincial governments or 87% are led by members of political dynasties.
This dominance underscores a system where power is frequently passed down within families, raising concerns about its impact on democratic representation and political diversity.
Eighteen of these political dynasties are considered “obese” with at least five family members seeking different electoral positions next year.
The Marcoses of Ilocos Norte, Singsons of Ilocos Sur, Ortegas of La Union, Ynareses of Rizal, Tolentinos of Cavite, Umalis of Nueva Ecija, Pinedas of Pampanga, Garcias of Bataan, and Khos of Masbate have ruled over these Luzon provinces for decades.
In Mindanao, many political dynasties control the provinces. The Dimaporos of Lanao del Norte, Adiongs of Lanao del Sur, the Pacquiaos of Sarangani, the Mangudadatus of Maguindanao, the Mendozas and Taliños of Cotabato, the Jalosjoses of Zambaonga del Norte, the Yus of Zamboanga del Sur, the Tans of Sulu, and the Salimans and Hatamans of Basilan have dominated local politics....
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