Opinion

All in the family: Ampatuans, Garcias, other reigning lords

Political dynasties are a product of a society riven by income inequalities and lack of opportunities for social and economic uplift of the majority of the people.

(Last of two parts)


By the Policy Study, Publication and Advocacy (PSPA)
Center for People Empowerment in Governance (CenPEG

MANILA — Widely believed to have ensured Gloria M. Arroyo’s victory in the 2004 rigged elections is Datu Andal Ampatuan, who is now said to be at the center of alleged cheating in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The Ampatuan dynasty based in Maguindanao province is Arroyo’s present conduit in helping ensure her influence over the whole of Mindanao, which hosts many of the country’s grizzled but otherwise powerful political clans. Datu Andal used to be a member of the House until he became governor of Maguindanao in 2004, a post which he expects to retain this year.
(more…)

Continue ReadingAll in the family: Ampatuans, Garcias, other reigning lords

In the Philippines: May 14th elections ? ?Too soon to tell?

By Steven Rood The Asia Foundation While waiting for clarity in these races, it is useful to reflect on past elections for the light they shed on the present. One lesson is how all Philippine governments rely on elections for their legitimacy, and care a great deal about foreign opinion about those elections.

Continue ReadingIn the Philippines: May 14th elections ? ?Too soon to tell?

Sabotaging an election machinery: Manipulation, psywar and military

Analysis | The effect of the electoral sabotage is to cast doubt on the electoral process and the integrity of the Comelec itself. The effect of the sabotage strategy against the PPLs was not to undermine the bloc?s political base but to add another cause for making the current presidency illegitimate.

Continue ReadingSabotaging an election machinery: Manipulation, psywar and military