Padrino System, or patronage in the Filipino culture and politics is the value system where one gains favor, promotion, or political appointment through family affiliation (nepotism) or friendship (cronyism), as opposed to one's merit. The Padrino System in the Philippines has been the source of many controversies and corruption.
It has been an open secret that one cannot join the political arena of the Philippines without mastery of the Padrino System. From the lowest Barangay official, to the President of the Republic, it is expected that one gains political debts and dispenses political favor to advance one's career or influence, if not wealth.
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The Constitution of the Philippines in many ways has laid down the foundations against nepotism, cronyism, and oligarchial rule of the few. As a democratic republic, the Philippines is supposed to have a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. However, in reality, one can take a look at the Legislative Branch of the government, and come to a conclusion that it is all on the contrary.
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.
In September 2008, Sen. 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.[1]
In the post-May 10 National Elections, incumbent and winning Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim ordered the destruction of some Barangay Halls or Centers. Complaints from affected Barangay officials claim that this was an execution of vengeance by Mayor Lim since they did not support his candidacy for mayoralty of the Capital, but that they endorsed the rival Lito Atienza. The City Engineer stated that this has nothing to do with politics, but that their office has long been planning to demolish the "illegal structure" constructed by the Barangays in Manila that have been impeding the flow of traffic among some of the public roads.[2]
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. Majority of the officers were graduates from the West Point-styled Philippine Military Academy - which is also considered as Asia's best military academy.
Up to 1965, an officer in the AFP would rise the ranks through merit. However, during the presidency of Ferdinand E. Marcos, a sudden shift of policies have taken place, and it has become an open secret that one gets promoted by affiliation or patronage to Marcos or his cronies. Much evident was the appointment of UP Vanguard alumni to strategic posts in the AFP, to the dissatisfaction or disappointment of deserving career military officers.