The Battle for Democracy: Why the Ballot Is Our Last Line of Defense Against Political Dynasties

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Hear me out.

The 1987 Philippine Constitution—our country’s supreme law—was crafted in the wake of dictatorship, rising from the ashes of oppression to guarantee democracy, justice, and equal opportunity for every Filipino. And in its most crucial provisions lies a weapon, sharp and clear: a prohibition against political dynasties.

But here we are—almost four decades later—and that weapon remains sheathed, dulled by deliberate inaction and betrayal from within the halls of power.

Why?

Because the very people mandated to enforce it—the lawmakers—are the ones who stand to lose the most. And so, they’ve done what self-serving politicians do best: absolutely nothing.

The Betrayal in Broad Daylight

Let’s call it what it is: a betrayal. The framers of our Constitution foresaw the dangers of political families consolidating control over public office like a family business. They put in place Article II, Section 26, which says: "The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law."

But that “as may be defined by law” clause? That’s the loophole they clung to for dear life. Without an enabling law, the anti-dynasty provision is a dead letter—a powerful idea, rendered powerless by legislative cowardice.

And cowardice has consequences.

From Congress to the Barangay: A Family Affair

Today, political dynasties infest every level of government—from the Senate down to the barangay kagawad. It’s not just about one family member in politics. It’s about spouses, siblings, children, cousins, and even in-laws taking turns in public office like it’s a family heirloom.

In the 2022 elections alone, a staggering 80% of district representatives came from political families. That’s not representation—it’s monopoly. The upcoming 2025 elections are shaping up to be no different. Dynasties are poised to rotate and recycle themselves to hold on to the power they’ve hoarded for generations.

The game is rigged—and they’re not even hiding it anymore.

The Duterte-Marcos Drama: A Dynasty Duel

Look no further than the Duterte-Marcos saga, a real-life teleserye of power, pride, and vengeance. Former President Rodrigo Duterte, now 79, is eyeing a return as mayor of Davao City, just as his daughter Sara Duterte grapples with impeachment attempts as Vice President. All this while the Marcoses consolidate control from the highest seat in the land.

What we are witnessing is not governance—it’s a power struggle between entrenched families who see the nation as a prize to be divided, not a people to be served.

This is not the democracy we were promised.

If Congress Fails Us, the People Must Rise

Don’t wait for Congress to grow a conscience. They won’t.

Even Senate President Chiz Escudero, one of the few who expressed openness to supporting an anti-dynasty law, knows the challenge: too many lawmakers benefit from the system. Reform will never come from within. It must come from us.

It’s time to stop hoping and start acting.

We, the people, outnumber them. The power of change is literally in our hands—our ballots.

Your Ballot Is a Weapon. Use It Wisely.

Every election, we are given a sacred tool: the vote. Not just a right, but a duty. If our lawmakers refuse to uphold the Constitution, we must uphold it ourselves—with fierce resolve and collective courage.

The Constitution is clear. The warning has been sounded. Political dynasties are a danger to democracy. And every time we cast a vote for a family member of a sitting politician, we are digging the grave of our Republic a little deeper.

So this 2025, look at the candidates. Look past the billboards, past the jingles, past the last name’s familiarity. Look at the pattern. If you see a family trying to secure multiple positions at once—mayor, councilor, congressman, governor—you are witnessing a hostile takeover of your town, your province, your future.

Do not be fooled.

The Final Stand for a Free Philippines

We must end this cycle. For the dream of a Philippines where leadership is earned—not inherited. For the promise of a government that serves the people—not protects family fiefdoms. For the Constitution that demands equality, not dynasty.

We are not powerless. We are just complacent.

But not anymore.

Let 2025 be the year we fight back.

Let the ballot be our revolution.

Let history remember that the people refused to be ruled by bloodlines, and chose instead to be led by vision, values, and virtue.

The dynasty ends when we say it does.

By Ross Flores Del Rosario, Founder of Wazzup Pilipinas

Ross Flores Del Rosario is the founder of Wazzup Pilipinas, an advocate for transparency, and the External Vice President of the Green Party of the Philippines.

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