MAKATI: POLITICAL DYNASTY IN MOTION

How to beat political dynasties......


“Makati Still Binay Country” headline of The Philippine Star on its May 12, 2010 issue.

Undoubtedly, it is true and the last election in Makati shows the power of a political dynasty at work. It shows the formidable electoral powers of the father; the son; and the daughter. The combined followers of each would be a very formidable power to reckon with.

And the last election in Makati shows the power of a political dynasty at work.

Woe to the candidates who goes against a political dynasty, especially if the opposing parties are at odds with each other.

In Makati, how could you break the holds of the father-son-daughter triad? Wherever you look at it, it is difficult to beat three groups ganging up on you.

How much more in other places where 5 to 8 members of a clan are running for elected positions?

But, defeating a dynasty could be done and it’s doable. A simple analysis of the figures below would tell us how to break the triad and win the mayoralty race.

Mayoralty Candidate              No. of Votes
Jun Jun Binay                                125,664
Nestor Mercado                              80,151
Erwin Genuino                                61,203
Butz Aquino                                        5,816
Edmundo Tagalog                                253

Clearly, it could have been an exciting contest, the triad could have been shattered and the mayor’s office could have been won if the groups of Mercado and Genuino combined their forces to fight against the triad.

Lesson learned from the last election of Makati:

  1. Political dynasty is a formidable force.
  2. All forces must unite to break the triad and vanquish political dynasty.

So, how do you fight against the triad of the father; the son and the daughter?

  1. Set aside personal ambition;
  2. Unite the opposition;
  3. Offer a credible and doable platform of government;
  4. Organize a structure with the flame in their hearts (Not money in their pockets);and
  5. Work as a proactive team towards a common goal.

Easily said than done, but unless aspiring leaders of Makati set aside their vested interest for the benefit of the people, Makati will forever remain a Binay Country.