(Last of two parts) The Sanggunian Kabataan (SK) law and Bangsamoro Electoral Code define and prohibit political dynasties. However, these laws only cover the SK and Bangsamoro parliamentary elections. In national and local elections, clans continue to consolidate political and economic power. Based on the electoral plans for May 2025 of district representatives belonging to...
Tag: elections
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8 out of 10 district reps belong to dynasties
(First of two parts) Fathers and mothers passing on their government posts to sons and daughters, as if these were family heirlooms, is nothing new. But election watchdogs said it was jarring to watch political dynasties flaunt their power during the week-long filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) this October. It’s as if Oct. 1...
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Meet the ‘obese’ political dynasties of the Philippines
We’ve seen sibling pairs in the Senate, as well as mother-and-son tandems. But three brothers? If the pre-election polls hold until May 12, 2025, neophyte Sen. Raffy Tulfo will be welcoming two of his brothers to the Senate—fellow news broadcasters Erwin and Ben, who ranked first and second in the September 2024 Pulse Asia senatorial...
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That’s entertainment in politics
A certain Rosmar Tan, described as a social media influencer, is running for councilor in Manila in the May 2025 midterm elections. Here’s her sound bite: “Aanhin pa ang katalinuhan sa law o anuman po …” Or: What good is knowledgeability in law or whatever …? The lawyer Vince Tañada, who is also a movie and stage producer,...
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Camille Villar ramps up FB ad spending before filing candidacy for senator
Like her father, mother and brother before her, Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar is entering the 2025 senatorial race with more resources than her rivals for her advertising campaign. She has billboards and posters all over the country, and has ads on TV. She is also among the top ad spenders on Meta, formerly Facebook,...
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With Sulu’s shock exit from BARMM, over 5,000 employees at risk of losing their jobs
More than 5,000 employees are at risk of losing their jobs following Sulu’s shocking exit from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) ahead of its first parliamentary elections in May 2025. As leaders debate the far-reaching political ramifications of the Supreme Court’s ruling excluding the province from the region, the BARMM government is...
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Kiko Pangilinan mulls Senate run, challenges tech giants
LEGAZPI CITY—Former senator and Liberal Party president Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan is mulling a comeback to the Senate in next year’s midterm elections, but this would depend on his prospects of winning. “I’m inclined to seek reelection, but I have not finalized my plans because I also want to see my chances [in the] polling,” he...
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Music piracy rampant in barangay election campaign
If the Intellectual Property Office and individual recording artists or companies decide to go after those using original music in campaign jingles during the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE), the courts would be swamped with lawsuits. Thieves and pirates are brazenly making their pitch on originals and musical adaptations of popular songs. I’ve been...
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Pity this nation
Ours is a country of failed institutions. Let us cite two of many—Congress and the Commission on Elections (Comelec). Congress is responsible for producing legislation to ensure that the spirit of the Philippine Constitution is upheld. Yet, 36 years after the ratification of the Constitution, there is yet no enabling law prohibiting political dynasties. The...
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Philippines prepares for 3 elections in next two years; 10 urgent tasks for Comelec, voters
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) as well as the poll watchdogs have a full plate as the country prepares to hold three elections in the next two years. While everyone is gearing up for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) on Oct. 30, preparations are also already underway for at least two elections in...