1. ICBM: The Political Dynasty in the Philippines Is there still hope for change?

The political dynasty in the Philippines is one particular issue that is rampant in the political trend of our country. Many generations have passed, people have been born and have died, but the system of this issue has not changed. Rather, it is still seen in our governmentnow more pronounced than ever. Is there still hope for change?

Political Dynasty can be termed as a disease of our country and despite efforts to change this cycle, little progress has been seen over the years. It is widespread; ranging from metropolitan cities to the provinces and barrios of the country. Over the years, the effects of this disease connotes more on the negative, unproductive side than not. Imagine a place where one family controls all the power of governance and developmenthusbands and wives, then their sons and daughters will seat in place to govern. Its nice to imagine that such process is benefitting to the people in that place, but o n the contrary it is not. Political dynasty is a source of corruption and a hindrance for progress.

For a government to have a solid basis of development, every position filled up should have a check and balance concept of their works. Political dynasty hinders this act by having all the power to govern to be concentrated within their grasp and those of their kapamilya. Everything that is done is not for the benefit of their constituents but for them to remain in power. Development is killed in the process. Power is everything that comes to concentration now, rather than serving for the betterment of the people. This is not how our government should work. This is not the ideal type of government that we want the next Filipino generation to grow.

Clear governance, the goal of the present administration, is also challenged along with this situation. How can one rule with transparency and clearness if power is in control of the selected few? Those selected fews are the ones with money and influencebut is these bases for better governance? Through political dynasty, we are forgetting the true essence of serving the people, as what they do is to serve themselves. We should always remember that our government is that of the people, by the people and for the people. Our actions should be aimed to address the needs of those we serve. Power is given not for the selected few to enjoy for themselves. Greed is always the enemy of change.

Lastly, we should not forget how political dynasty has been all the reason behind the most brutal killing of the media men in historythe Maguindanao Massacre. How many lives have been wasted because of the fight of two families for power? That is political dynasty. Those lives cannot be taken back anymorethe families they have left will be grieving for their loss forever. But the fight because of power is still not over. This is the real face of political dynasty.

I need not enumerate the effects political dynasty has done. My job has been done when I said my view on this matter. What I hope now is for you to reflect and think back, and then decide. Even you can testify how political dynasty has been affecting our country. And from this, I know you can answer this question that I will leave: Is there still hope for change?