Political dynasties today are on a different level: Coronacion | Morning Matters

Summary

In this engaging discussion, Professor Dennis Coron shares his insights on recent political surveys, examining the rise of Bongo in rankings despite his alliance with the Duterte family. He delves into the underdog effect, shifting public perceptions, and the influence of administration-related issues. The conversation also touches on the challenges within the Philippine political landscape, including loyalty in Congress, political dynasties, and the stalled reforms despite super majorities. The segment highlights the ongoing struggles for true political change, questioning the effectiveness of current structures and the potential for future reforms in the system.

Takeaways

• 😀 Bongo's rise to the top of recent surveys is unexpected, especially given the current struggles within the Duterte camp, reflecting a shift in public sentiment.
• 😀 Despite the controversy surrounding the Duterte administration, Bongo's strong performance may be tied to his perceived victimhood and the underdog narrative.
• 😀 Sara Duterte's position in the surveys has dropped, with her ranking slipping out of the top 12, possibly due to perceptions of her political affiliations and her lack of a clear stance on various issues.
• 😀 The general distrust in politicians who are seen as 'on both sides' of political factions, as exemplified by Sara Duterte's indecisiveness, may contribute to her lower standing.
• 😀 The political landscape is dominated by transactional politics, where loyalty shifts easily, and party allegiance holds little weight in political decisions.
• 😀 The lack of strong political party systems and the prevalence of dynastic politics are long-standing issues that contribute to the inefficacy of reforms and perpetuate political instability.
• 😀 The failure of previous administrations to pass significant electoral and political reforms, despite having supermajorities in Congress, highlights a lack of political will and prioritization of long-term reforms.
• 😀 The role of political capital and its erosion over time plays a key role in determining whether or not a government can push through significant reforms.
• 😀 The Philippines' political culture is heavily influenced by dynasties and shifting alliances, often leading to the same political families maintaining power across different administrations.
• 😀 The absence of a strong ideological basis within political parties has led to a political system that is more focused on personalities rather than distinct platforms or issues.

Q & A

Why is Bongo ranked number one in the latest Pulse Asia survey despite his association with the Duterte family?

Bongo's rise in the Pulse Asia survey, despite the difficult situation for the Duterte camp, could be explained by multiple factors. His unexpected position at number one may also reflect public perception of him as an underdog or a victim of political persecution by the current administration. Additionally, his relatively low profile in recent months could contribute to the perception of him as a more neutral figure compared to other high-profile politicians.

What does the underdog status of certain political candidates suggest about voter behavior in the Philippines?

The underdog status can often lead to increased voter support due to perceptions of unfair treatment or victimization. In this case, Bongo might have gained votes because of his association with the administration's struggles, positioning him as a candidate sympathetic to the public's grievances.

What could explain the decline in popularity of Sara Duterte despite her significant campaign spending?

Sara Duterte’s decline in the polls may be attributed to several factors. Despite spending a large amount on campaign advertisements, her positioning as a figure associated with both political camps (the Duterte and Marcos families) may lead to a lack of clear political identity, causing voters to view her as uncommitted or opportunistic.

Why do some Filipinos distrust politicians who appear to have divided loyalties?

Filipinos tend to value clear political alignment and commitment. Politicians who switch loyalties or remain neutral in politically charged situations are often seen as unreliable or opportunistic, which can erode public trust.

What role do political dynasties play in Philippine politics, and how does this impact reform efforts?

Political dynasties are deeply ingrained in Philippine politics, often controlling local and national positions across generations. This system hinders reforms by concentrating power within a few families and perpetuating transactional politics. Efforts to limit political dynasties, like those in the BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao), face significant resistance and slow progress.

How has the lack of a strong political party system affected governance in the Philippines?

The weak party system in the Philippines has led to a lack of ideological consistency, with politicians prioritizing personal relationships over party platforms. This has resulted in a highly transactional political environment where alliances shift based on immediate political advantages rather than long-term policy goals.

What is the significance of the BARM’s approach to political reform and limiting dynasties?

The BARM's experiment with limiting dynasties and strengthening political parties is a progressive step that could serve as a model for other regions. Their move to ban political dynasties at the SK (Sangguniang Kabataan) level is notable because it challenges a longstanding tradition in the region of family-based political control.

Why have previous attempts at political reform in the Philippines, such as the Political Party Reform Bill, failed?

Previous attempts at political reform, including the Political Party Reform Bill, have failed due to a lack of political will. Even though administrations have had supermajorities in Congress, the political capital needed to push through such reforms has often been insufficient, with leaders prioritizing short-term political gains over long-term institutional changes.

How has the issue of political dynasty been addressed in the BARMM, and what impact might this have on national politics?

The BARMM has taken steps to limit political dynasties through legislation aimed at reducing the concentration of power within a few families. This shift towards more progressive governance could influence national politics, offering a potential blueprint for regions like Luzon or Visayas to follow in terms of political and electoral reform.

What challenges do Philippine administrations face when trying to implement meaningful political and electoral reforms?

Philippine administrations face numerous challenges in pushing for political and electoral reforms, including the deeply entrenched system of patronage and political dynasties. Despite having a supermajority in Congress, administrations struggle to gain full support for reforms due to the transactional nature of politics and the influence of powerful families within the system.