Padrino system

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The padrino system, or patronage in Filipino culture and politics, is a value system in which individuals gain favor, promotion, or political appointment through family affiliation (nepotism) or friendship (cronyism), rather than on the basis of merit. The system traces its origins to the Spanish colonial period, when Filipinos were often required to obtain the favor of a Spanish official or a wealthy Filipino, typically a friar, in order to secure a government position or improve their social or economic standing. [1] At the center of this system is the padrino, a sponsor or influential backer who uses their power or connections to secure opportunities for others. The padrino system has also been a source of numerous controversies and is widely associated with corruption. [2]

Contents

In the executive

In the executive branch, the padrino system can be observed in the appointment of officials, where loyalty to the president's political party, supporters, or campaign contributors often plays a significant role. This practice has raised concerns about its impact on meritocracy and the professionalism of the civil service. [3]

Cronies of Ferdinand Marcos

This section is an excerpt from Cronies of Ferdinand Marcos.[ edit ]
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Certain associates of former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, historically referred to using the catchphrase "Marcos cronies", [4] [5] [6] benefited from their friendship with Marcos – whether in terms of legal assistance, political favors, or facilitation of business monopolies, during his administration. [7] [8] [9] Marcos critics, and the local and international press began referring to these individuals as "cronies" during the latter days of the Marcos dictatorship, [5] and the Philippine government – especially the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) – continued using the term after the ouster of Marcos in 1986. [7]

These "cronies" were awarded government commissions, projects, and funds, many of which were later investigated for corruption, misuse of funds, and disregard of the Constitution of the Philippines. Marcos' cronies were given strategic positions both in the government and in private sectors in order for the Marcoses to seize control of the major industries of the country. [5] [7]

In the legislative

The Constitution of the Philippines, in many ways, laid down the foundations against nepotism, cronyism, and oligarchical rule of the few.

The issue of political dynasties has always been touched, especially during elections, but the subject has been much avoided by politicians alike who have a wife, son, daughter, or a relative sitting in office as well.

When the pork barrel scam broke out, Senator Jinggoy Estrada claimed that Pres. Benigno Aquino III used the Disbursement Acceleration Program to influence the 188 Congressional Representatives and 20 Senators to approve the impeachment complaint against Renato Corona. On July 2, 2014, the Supreme Court decision on DAP was ruled as unconstitutional.

In the military

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) was known as one of the best in the post-World War geopolitical scene in Southeast Asia, if not the whole of Asia. The majority of the officers were graduates from the West Point-styled Philippine Military Academy.

In order to get a higher rank or office, one must have at least known or befriended a high-ranking official to be promoted.[ citation needed ]

In society

Efforts to combat the padrino system

In September 2008, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago passed Senate Bill No. 2616, or the "Anti-Political Recommendation Act", however this as usual has been shelved for the time being and is currently pending at the Committee level. [10] She once again urged its passage in 2013, in response to accounts of the so-called "three kings" of the Bureau of Customs being supported by influential backers – Carlos So (backed by Iglesia ni Cristo), Rogel Gatchalian (claimed to be an associate of then-Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile), and Ricardo Belmonte (then-House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr.'s soon-to-retire brother) – during that year. [11]

Senatorial candidate Diosdado Valeroso, a former police chief superintendent, in Rappler's senatorial debate on April 22, 2016, proposed a meritocracy bill that would shield law enforcement agencies and government employees from political influence, most especially from the padrino system. [12]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Sriwarakuel, Warayuth (2005). Cultural Traditions and Contemporary Challenges in Southeast Asia: Hindu and Buddhist. The Council for Research in Values and Philosophy. p.  294. ISBN   978-1-56518-213-4 . Retrieved March 18, 2023.
  2. ↑ Agaton, Sheldon Ives Go (February 2024). "The Padrino System in Philippine Politics and Society" (PDF). Social Ethics Society Journal of Applied Philosophy. Special Issue: 193–209.
  3. ↑ Villamejor-Mendoza, Maria Fe (October 5, 2023). "Chapter 9". In Peters, B. Guy; Knox, Colin; Kim, Byeong Seob (eds.). Patronage Appointments in the Philippine Public Service. Cambridge University Press.
  4. ↑ Joaquin L. Gonzalez III (1997). "Political economy of Philippine development: past issues and current reforms". Humboldt Journal of Social Relations. 23 (1/2 ASIA): 91–119. JSTOR   23263491. Marcos set forth to create his own prviate sector oligarchy made up of loyal relatives and friends. This grand coalition of elites were notoriously called Marcos cronies. His legion of cronies included...
  5. 1 2 3 Ricardo., Manapat (1991). Some are smarter than others: the history of Marcos' crony capitalism. New York: Aletheia Publications. ISBN   971-91287-0-4. OCLC   28428684.
  6. ↑ Hutchcroft, Paul D. (April 1991). "Oligarchs and Cronies in the Philippine State the Politics of Patrimonial Plunder" . World Politics. 43 (3): 414–450. doi:10.2307/2010401. ISSN   1086-3338. JSTOR   2010401. S2CID   154855272.
  7. 1 2 3 R., Salonga, Jovito (2000). Presidential plunder: the quest for the Marcos ill-gotten wealth. [Quezon City]: U.P. Center for Leadership, Citizenship and Democracy. ISBN   971-8567-28-3. OCLC   44927743.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  8. ↑ Lustre, Philip M. Jr. (February 25, 2016). "Search for Marcos' wealth: Compromising with cronies". Rappler. Retrieved May 26, 2018.
  9. ↑ Davies, Nick (May 7, 2016). "The $10bn question: what happened to the Marcos millions?". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved May 26, 2018.
  10. ↑ "Bills/Resolutions - Senate of the Philippines". legacy.senate.gov.ph. Retrieved January 22, 2021.
  11. ↑ Yamsuan, Cathy (August 5, 2013). "Bill aims to stop 'padrino' setup". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved January 22, 2021.
  12. ↑ Francisco, Katerina (April 22, 2016). "Valeroso pushes for meritocracy bill vs padrino system". Rappler . Retrieved January 22, 2021.
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