Unmasking the Philippine Power Web: How Elite Families Maintain Control

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

If my AI and Google search are accurate, 

First Lady Liza Araneta- Marcos comes from the Araneta clan, a prominent and influential family in the Philippines known for their contributions to business, politics, and law.

The Araneta family traces its roots to the Basque region of Spain and has been established in the Philippines since the Spanish colonial period. They are known for their wealth, landownership, and involvement in various industries, including real estate, education, and media. We all know these are the industries you need to control and influence for control of the narratives. 

Her marriage to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. united the Araneta and Marcos families, two powerful clans in Philippine history.

Her family's connections extend to other notable Filipino families. Her father, Manuel Araneta Jr., was a first cousin of Judy Araneta-Roxas, linking Liza to the Roxas political family. Additionally, her mother's sister, Rosario Cacho, was married to Pedro Cojuangco, the eldest brother of former President Corazon Aquino, connecting her to the Cojuangco family. 

In other words, everyone is connected with each other. Araneta, Roxas, Conuangco, Aquino, and Marcos. 

Pinoys keep giving the power and influence to these families and their allies. So it's a never-ending cycle. 

And then the Dutertes came into the picture...adding them to the list... 

Para matigil na... let's break the links and all connections and influence... Give the power to others that are not connected to any of their clans 

What should we do? Stop empowering their clans.

It's one big family. Hindi pa kasama dito mga Chinese...now more prominent are Filipino-Chinese or Tsinoys who are stand-outs in business...and naturally (probably silently) influential as well in politics.

Again, since history is written by the winners and remaining living supporters with access to the mentioned industries, especially media, the history we can gain access to will always be favorable to the winners or whoever are in power.

​The Philippines has long been characterized by the influence of powerful political dynasties, with families interwoven through bloodlines and alliances shaping the nation's political landscape. The Araneta family stands as a prominent example, with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos exemplifying the intricate connections among the country's elite.​

The Araneta Legacy

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos hails from the distinguished Araneta family, a clan with deep roots in Philippine society. Born on August 21, 1959, in Manila, she is the daughter of Manuel "Manolet" Ledesma Araneta Jr. and Milagros Azaola Cacho. Her father, born in Iloilo City and raised in Bago, Negros Occidental, was a notable athlete, participating in the 1948 London Summer Olympics as a member of the Philippine basketball team. ​

The Araneta family's prominence extends beyond sports; they have been influential in business, politics, and law. Tracing their lineage to the Basque region of Spain, the Aranetas established themselves in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period. Over time, they have amassed wealth and influence, particularly in real estate, education, and media sectors.​

Interconnected Dynasties

The marriage of Liza Araneta to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. symbolizes the union of two influential families. The Marcos dynasty began with Mariano Marcos, a lawyer and member of the House of Representatives in 1925. The family's political ascendancy peaked during the presidency of Ferdinand E. Marcos from 1965 to 1986. Despite periods of exile, the Marcoses have regained significant political power, with Bongbong Marcos elected as the 17th President of the Philippines in 2022. ​

Liza's familial connections further intertwine with other notable clans. Her father was a first cousin of Judy Araneta-Roxas, linking her to the Roxas political family. Additionally, her mother's sister, Rosario Cacho, was married to Pedro Cojuangco, the eldest brother of former President Corazon Aquino, connecting her to the Cojuangco and Aquino families. ​

The Duterte Factor

In recent years, the Duterte family has emerged as a formidable force in Philippine politics. Rodrigo Duterte served as president from 2016 to 2022, known for his controversial policies and strongman image. His daughter, Sara Duterte, currently holds the vice presidency. The alliance between the Marcos and Duterte families during the 2022 elections signified a consolidation of power among political elites. However, recent events have strained this alliance. In December 2024, Vice President Sara Duterte made a death threat against President Marcos, intensifying the rift between their dynasties. This feud has significant implications, especially with the upcoming midterm elections and ongoing investigations into alleged misconduct. ​

A Call for Change

The entrenchment of these interconnected families in positions of power has led to concerns about the perpetuation of elite dominance in Philippine politics. Critics argue that this concentration of power hinders broader democratic participation and maintains the status quo. To foster a more inclusive political environment, there is a growing call to empower leaders unconnected to these traditional clans, thereby breaking the cycle of dynastic rule.​

In conclusion, the intricate web of relationships among the Araneta, Marcos, Roxas, Cojuangco, Aquino, and Duterte families underscores the complex nature of political power in the Philippines. Addressing this concentration requires deliberate efforts to promote political diversity and diminish the influence of longstanding dynasties.​

A Nation at a Crossroads: Will Filipinos Fall for the Same Political Playbook?

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Our country stands at the edge of a political dilemma, one that presents two unappealing choices: embracing the return of a political family we once rejected or allowing another round of political manipulation to dictate our future. It’s a troubling scenario where neither option seems truly acceptable, yet here we are—once again caught in the cycle of deception and false promises.

History Repeats Itself?

Isinuka na pero kinain ulit—this perfectly describes the political narrative unfolding before us. If the surveys are to be believed, many Filipinos are once again poised to place their trust in the Duterte family and their senatorial lineup, despite the controversies, failures, and issues that marred their previous tenure.

Let’s not forget: it was former President Rodrigo Duterte who paved the way for the return of the Marcos family to the highest seat of power. By allowing the burial of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, he effectively rewrote history, legitimizing a regime that was once condemned for its human rights abuses and plunder.

But now, with President Bongbong Marcos distancing himself from the Dutertes, the once-allied families seem to be at odds. The question is: should Filipinos continue supporting political figures who, at the end of the day, are merely playing a game of power and influence at our expense?

Team Suka vs. Team Toyo—Or a Better Alternative?

We are once again faced with the choice of aligning with either of these two powerful camps—or rejecting them altogether. Should we let them fight among themselves while we seek a new and genuinely capable leadership? It’s time to seriously consider the alternative: electing leaders outside these entrenched political dynasties.

Filipinos have a tendency to favor celebrities and household names over competent policymakers, and history has shown that this approach has led to underwhelming governance. We now have senators like Robin Padilla, Lito Lapid, and Bong Revilla—figures better known for their film and television careers than their legislative track record. And with new aspirants like Willie Revillame and Philip Salvador eyeing public office, the risk of further diluting the quality of governance remains high.

It’s not about educational attainment alone; it’s about proven leadership and ability. If a candidate lacks both the experience and the commitment to real reform, then they deserve zero votes from the electorate.

The Vicious Cycle of Traditional Politics

Political dynasties and the prevalence of trapos (traditional politicians) continue to plague our country. Governance in the Philippines has long been controlled by political syndicates, treating public service as a family business rather than a responsibility to the people. This is the real problem we need to confront: how do we break free from this cycle?

As Filipinos, we must ask ourselves:

Do we really want to be fooled again by the same political figures who have failed us before?

Are we ready to take a stand against political dynasties and celebrity candidates with no clear vision?

Will we allow ourselves to be mere spectators in this political circus, or will we actively shape the nation’s future?

A Call for a Smarter Electorate

The frustration is real, and so is the urgency. We cannot afford to keep making the same mistakes. The time for critical thinking and informed voting is now. Let’s break the cycle and demand genuine leaders who can bring real change.

The Philippines deserves better. The question is: are we ready to make it happen?

‘Mga Mukhang Adik’: The Impact of Criticizing Physical Appearance in Philippine Politics

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"Nowadays, many Filipino voters choose candidates mostly based on how they look, without looking into their backgrounds or qualifications. This often leads to bullying of candidates who may not be conventionally attractive, even though they could be great leaders. This shows a problem where people focus on appearances instead of important qualities like skills and honesty."

"But it's the lowest level of campaigning if you focus on the physical appearances and not on the capabilities and integrity of the candidates."

"Very irrelevant remarks! This is what happens when politics becomes circus..Some good people seemingly lose integrity when joining the politics."

"Mudslinging, an old tactic. However, did he state anything regarding his plans and platform for his constituents? That is the one that should be highlighted in order to know if they have any plans for their territory. Dapat dun tayo sa may matinong plano! Dapat masabi nila kung anong problema ng kanilang kinasasakupan! Kung may thesis defense bago maka-graduate, dapat ganun din tayo sa kanila."

"This is his level of discourse? What is your platform of government? What have you done so far? Puro pamimintas lang ang alam ninyo. So ikaw, guwapo? Kaya dapat kang iboto? The more I will not vote for you. You are an empty shell."

"Politics change people or is it the people who change politics. Remarks like these may it be hyperbole or just a joke to make people laugh is not funny. If you want to be funny, work in a comedy bar not in government service."

"Cheap kind of campaigning, talk about your achievements/ plan and programs."

"This is not a good example of a leader.. pang display lang pala siya, walang laman ang ulo? Meron pala kundi hangin..if we cannot speak nicely to a person, we have a problem."

"Bonus na lang po sir if maganda physical attributes, mas mahalaga po character, integrity at past performance."

Recently, a viral video on social media showed actor-turned-politician Alfred Vargas allegedly mocking the physical appearance of his political rivals in the upcoming elections. The incident sparked various reactions from the public and entertainment industry figures.

Public and Celebrity Reactions

A well-known showbiz insider and talent manager expressed his shock over the video. In a Facebook post, he shared the footage of Vargas standing on stage with his supporters and fellow candidates. According to a report, the showbiz writer seemed surprised at Vargas’ behavior during the campaign. 

The Culture of Criticizing Physical Appearance in Politics

This incident sheds light on a deeper issue in Philippine politics—where a candidate’s physical looks often become a topic of discussion rather than their platforms and qualifications. A study conducted by the Institute for Political and Electoral Reform in 1995 found that Filipino voters tend to be influenced by personal traits rather than concrete plans and policies. 

The Impact on Voter Decisions

Such a campaign strategy can mislead voters into focusing on trivial aspects of a candidate rather than assessing their competence, integrity, and accomplishments. When attention is diverted to appearance rather than leadership skills, it increases the chances of electing officials based solely on popularity instead of capability.

A Call for More Meaningful Discourse

Many citizens are calling for a more substantial and issue-based discussion during election campaigns. Instead of attacking their rivals’ physical features, candidates should focus on presenting concrete plans and solutions for their constituents. This approach not only respects voters but also helps them make informed decisions based on a candidate’s actual qualifications and leadership potential.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding Alfred Vargas serves as a reminder that politics should not be a platform for mockery and personal attacks. Instead, it should encourage meaningful discussions about national and local issues and how candidates plan to address them. Voters are urged to be more discerning and prioritize policies and competence over superficial qualities, ensuring that elected leaders are truly capable of serving the people.