Same old names, same old games

Walk down any provincial capitol or city hall in the Philippines and ask who's in charge.

- SPEAKING OUT IGNACIO R. BUNYE

Chances are, the surname will sound familiar — because it’s the same family name that’s been plastered on campaign posters for decades. That’s the reality of political dynasties: families treating public office like family property, passing seats from father to son, mother to daughter, uncle to nephew.And it’s why the Anti-Dynasty Act has been called the “longest overdue promise” of our Constitution. Since 1987, the charter has said dynasties should be banned. But Congress — dominated by dynastic families themselves — has never passed the law. As my late barber was fond of saying: Sino ba naman ho ang pupulot ng bato para ipukpok sa kanilang sariling ulo?