MANILA — Political analyst and University of the Philippines Professor Maria Ela Atienza said a sector of society may have finally been enlightened that qualifications, not family name, should be the benchmark in choosing the country’s next leaders. 

“Sa mga cases na mga bagong mukha ang nananalo at natatalo ang mga political dynasties…usually ito ang may mga advocacies,” Atienza said. “Nag-resonate sa mga tao yung mga issues nila kasi siguro napuno na ang mga tao doon sa, baka nakaranas sila ng mga pang-aabuso o ‘yung mga pangako na hindi naman talaga na-deliver nung mga napakatagal na at dekada nang mga pamilya.” 

Atienza called the change as promising, but warned that this should be sustained as some tend to be complacent, which leads to the return of a member of a political dynasty.

Atienza clarified, however, that each locality has its own dynamics and several political dynasties remain. 

“Kung tingnan natin mixed yung results kasi mayroong iba nanalo yung anak pa rin ng mga politiko, ng mga dynasties, nakabalik sila,” she stated. “Halimbawa sa Davao City ay talagang kontrolado pa rin talaga nila kahit mayroon iba na nag-offer sana ng alternative.” 

Atienza was referring to the Dutertes who won in various positions in Davao City. 

“So ibig sabihin mahina pa yung counterforce para matalo yung narrative nung mga ibang political families,” she remarked. “Merong iba na may survival instincts pa rin, nananalo pa rin.” 

Atienza sees the need for reform, particularly, the inclusion of anti-dynastic provisions since the passage of an anti-dynasty law would be difficult with several members of Congress and Senate coming from political dynasties themselves.

“Nakita natin naging successful halimbawa sa SK (Sangguniang Kabataan) Law at saka sa BARMM may anti-dynasty provisions na doon. So ang isang possible strategy ay magsimula tayo galing sa baba. So baka barangay magkaroon ng ma-insert yun unti-unti. Hindi siya parang big-time na national anti-dynasty law kasi talagang mahirap,” Atienza explained.