Leyte Normal University

Tacloban City

TRADITIONIST: TRADITIONAL
POLITICS

In partial fulfillment of the requirements in

GE-119: Philippine Popular Culture

Presented to:
Myra Grace F. Loayon, Ph.D.
Faculty-CAS Arts and Humanities

Presented by:

Heart S. Zacate

Monday and Thursday (10:30am – 12pm)

Bachelor of Arts in Communication
(AC11)
INTRODUCTION

The term "traditional politics" describes the established and usual ways of governing,

which are usually defined by the operations of official political institutions, conforming to

customs and conventions, and the participation of political parties. Representative democracies,

in which voters choose representatives to act on their behalf, are frequently involved. Traditional

political processes include campaigns, elections, legislative sessions, and policy-making within

the framework of existing laws and regulations. This type of politics, which has its roots in

institutional structures and historical traditions, frequently places an emphasis on continuity and

stability in government. While traditional politics has dominated political organization for the

most of modern history, discussions in the present are increasingly examining alternative

strategies and reforms to deal with changing societal challenges and requirements.

In the context of Philippine culture, traditional politics refers to the established political

structures, practices, and systems that have shaped the country's governance throughout its

history. The Philippines has a democratic system with a presidential form of government,

characterized by regular elections, political parties, and a separation of powers among the
executive, legislative, and judicial branches. However, traditional politics in the Philippines is

often associated with certain characteristics, including patronage, dynastic politics, and a focus

on personalistic relationships. Political dynasties, where political power is concentrated within

specific families, have been a notable feature of Philippine politics. Additionally, the culture of

"utang na loob" (debt of gratitude) plays a role, wherein personal connections and favors often

influence political alliances. Despite ongoing efforts to address issues of corruption and promote

political reforms, traditional politics continues to be a significant aspect of the Philippine

political landscape.

KEY ASPECTS OF TRADITIONAL POLITICS

Traditional politics in the Philippines refers to the longstanding and deeply ingrained

political practices, structures, and dynamics that have shaped the country's political landscape.

1. Political Dynasties

 One prominent feature of traditional politics in the Philippines is the

prevalence of political dynasties. Many political offices are controlled by

families with multiple members holding various positions, from local to

national levels. This concentration of power within families has raised

concerns about the lack of political diversity and the perpetuation of elite

rule. The Philippines is noted for being a dynastic democratic country.

Powerful clans have long played a major role in its politics for centuries.

Political dynasty is not a new phenomenon in the Philippines. It

 originated with Spanish colonisation in the sixteenth century and has

continued right up until the present day. One example of a Political

Dynasty is the Marcos – Romualdez Family, The Aquino Family, Villar

Family, etc.

2. Patronage and Clientelism

 Political patronage involves the distribution of public resources, positions,

or benefits by political leaders to their supporters in exchange for loyalty

or political support. Political clientelism on the other hand is a more

complex and reciprocal relationship where political actors (patrons)

provide specific benefits or services to individuals or groups (clients) in

exchange for political support.

 These are several key aspects in relation to the patronage and clientelism

in the Philippines:

 Traditional Political Dynasties - political families

who have established long-standing dynasties,

where political power is passed down through

generations.

 Vote Buying and Clientelistic Practices – this is

when during elections, candidates often engage in

vote-buying, where voters receive money, goods, or

favors in exchange for their votes. Politicians in the

Philippines may establish clientelistic networks,

 providing targeted benefits such as financial

assistance, infrastructure projects, or social services

to specific communities or individuals in exchange

for political support.

 Political Patronage and Appointments - elected

officials in the Philippines often appoint loyal

supporters or political allies to key government

positions, regardless of qualifications.

 Cultural and Social Factors – the cultural value of

"bayanihan" (community spirit) is sometimes

exploited in politics, with politicians presenting

themselves as patrons who will provide support to

their constituents.

 Challenges and Reforms – In the Philippines,

patronage and clientelism have been linked to

concerns about corruption and the misuse of public

resources. Calls for addressing political issues

related to political dynasties, promote transparency,

and strengthen institutions have been ongoing.

However, enacting significant reforms can be

challenging due to political interests.

 Civil Society Engagement – civil society

organizations play a role in advocating for political

 reforms and raising awareness about the negative

impacts of patronage and clientelism. In media,

some outlets often highlight instances of corruption

and patronage, contributing to the public discourse

and awareness.

3. Election Campaigns

 In the time leading up to election day, political parties and candidates use

election campaigns to prepare and promote their viewpoints and ideas to

the voters. To contact voters and spread their messages, candidates

employ a range of strategies, such as written materials, public events,

new and conventional media, and other channels. Elections in the

Philippines are characterized by intense and highly competitive

campaigns. Traditional politicians often rely on personal connections,

name, recognition, and charisma rather than strict adherence to party

platforms. The popularity of candidates is sometimes more influential

than their political stances.

4. Political Parties

 While the Philippines has multi-party system, political parties often lack

strong ideological foundations. Party – switching and alliances based on

personal or regional interests are common. Parties may not always serve

as distinct vehicles for competing policy divisions. Some of these parties

include The Liberal Party (LP), United Nationalist Alliance (UNA),

Nacionalista Party, Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), etc.

5. Corruption Issues

 Corruption has been a very persistent challenge in Philippine politics.

Traditional politics has been often associated with corruption and this

includes vote-buying, bribery, and misuse of public funds. Efforts to

address corruption have been ongoing, but it still remains as a very

important concern in the country.

 The Philippines is perceived to be one of the most corrupt countries in

the world.

 Corruption does not come in a single form. These are 4 syndromes of

corruption known in the Philippines:

 Influence Market Corruption – Politicians use their influence to

provide connections to other people, essentially making or

serving them as middlemen.

 Elite Cartel Corruption – an existing network of elites with the

possibility of colluding to protect their economic and political

advantages.

 Official Mogul Corruption – economic moguls of their clients

are usually the top political figures and face few constraint from

the state or their competitors.

 Oligarch-and-Clan – this type of corruption has been

characterized as “disorderly” by the researcher Johnston. It is at

oftentimes a violent scramble. In this type of corruption, there is

difficulty in determining what is public and what is private (i.e.,

 who is a politician and who is an entrepreneur). Oligarchs attempt

to use their power for their private benefit or the benefit of their

families. Corruption in the Philippines by oligarch families is not

unheard of. In this system of corruption, oligarchs will use

whatever governmental authority they have to their advantage.

Unlike the mogul corruption, it can be unclear who is in charge.

6. Localism – Traditional Politics often has a strong local focus, with candidates

emphasizing their ties to specific regions or communities. This emphasis on local

connections can be a key factor in electoral success. Localism in Philippine

politics refers to the dominance and influence of local political leaders and

dynasties in shaping political dynamics at the regional and municipal levels. The

Philippines has a decentralized political system with local autonomy granted to

provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays (the smallest administrative

units). While local autonomy is intended to empower local governments and

promote grassroots development, it has also led to the rise of local political elites

who often wield significant power and influence.

7. Political Culture

 The political culture in the Philippines is influenced by historical factors,

including the legacy of colonialism, as well as cultural values and

practices. Filipino political culture is a systematically related set of

mental and concrete constructions. It includes but is not limited to

beliefs, feelings, group-accepted practices, language and paraphernalia

shared by large groups of Filipinos as they produce, allocate and use

 political powers within, outside, and in interaction with the state.

Traditional norms of political behavior, such as “utang na loob” (debt of

gratitude) and “pakikisama” (getting along), play a role in shaping

political relationships.

8. Economic Disparities

 Economic issues and disparities are intertwined with traditional politics

in the Philippines. Politicians often make promises related to poverty

alleviation, job creation, and economic development, as part of their

campaign platforms. Examples of economic disparities are inequality and

poverty that resulted from the so-called “Crony Capitalism”.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, traditional politics in the Philippines is deeply rooted in historical

structures and practices, shaping the country's political landscape in a distinctive manner. The

key aspects of traditional politics discussed, namely political dynasties, patronage and

clientelism, election campaigns, political parties, corruption issues, localism, political culture,

and economic disparities, collectively paint a comprehensive picture of the challenges and

dynamics within the Philippine political system.

Political dynasties, a longstanding feature, raise concerns about the concentration of

power within specific families and the perpetuation of elite rule. Patronage and clientelism,

manifesting through vote-buying and political appointments, contribute to a system where

personal connections often hold more weight than policy positions. Election campaigns,
characterized by intense competition and a focus on personal charisma, underscore the influence

of popularity over strict adherence to party platforms.

The political party landscape, while ostensibly a multi-party system, often lacks strong

ideological foundations, with party-switching and alliances based on personal or regional

interests being common. Corruption issues persist, with various syndromes, such as influence

market corruption and elite cartel corruption, contributing to a perception of the Philippines as

one of the most corrupt countries in the world. Localism, economic disparities, and the influence

of political culture further shape the dynamics of traditional politics.

Efforts to address these issues, including calls for political reforms, transparency, and

strengthening of institutions, face significant challenges due to entrenched interests. Civil society

engagement, media scrutiny, and ongoing discussions about the negative impacts of patronage

and corruption contribute to the discourse surrounding potential reforms.

In the face of changing societal challenges and demands, the examination of alternative

strategies becomes increasingly crucial. While traditional politics has been a dominant force in

the Philippines for much of its modern history, the need for reforms to address issues of

corruption, inequality, and the concentration of power is evident. The future trajectory of

Philippine politics will likely be influenced by the ongoing tension between traditional practices

and the evolving demands of a changing society.

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