Observers: Phl dynasties prevail

MANILA, Philippines - Political dynasties in the Philippines prevailed in the May 13 midterm elections, foreign observers said yesterday.

After monitoring the conduct of elections in six areas in the country, the foreign observers said they saw the proliferation of candidates from the same families.

For the senatorial race, eight of those included in the “Magic 12” belong to prominent political families in the country.

Gelina Avila, who is part of the 30-member delegation of foreign observers, said political dynasties are still a common phenomenon in the Philippines.

“Many of these family networks control economic and political power” and will do anything to hold on to power, including resorting to vote-buying, Avila said.

“We saw this in Cebu where a former congressman ran for mayor after his wife ran for Congress. His son-in-law ran for mayor in another town, which was converted into a city even if not fulfilling requirements,” she added.

According to Avila, political dynasty in Cebu even used government money to build a “palatial mansion.”

The international observers also aired their concern over widespread vote buying in all six areas – Pampanga, Cagayan Valley, Camarines Sur, Masbate, Cebu and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao – they monitored.

Several candidates even admitted that buying votes is part of Philippine elections, they said.

In Cotabato, foreign observers said voters lined up for free food.

Aside from political dynasty and vote buying, foreign observers highlighted the issues of election-related violence as well as poor election management.

The group called for stringent laws to penalize perpetuators of election violence and recommended increased participation of impartial observers.

To address the problem of political dynasties, foreign observers suggested the enactment of new laws and for civil society to promote democratic culture.

They said the education system must also reinforce and cultivate a culture of qualification-based manner of choosing candidates.

Foreign observers stressed the need for voter education against vote buying.

The group favored the Commission on Elections’ effort to regulate cash flow during election season to prevent vote buying.

The foreign observers lauded the enthusiasm of Filipinos to participate in the elections and the dedication of teachers and election officers.