As the national and local elections near, an educator urged on Monday youth voters to think twice about electing politicians involved in political dynasties.
In a media forum at De La Salle University, professor David San Juan said that while they cannot dictate to their students who to vote for, they can tell them not to vote for politicians who came from political dynasties.
"Kasi bawal nga sa Constitution natin yun. Marami na rin pong kaso ng korapsyon na konektado sa mga magkakamag-anak ang nakapwesto doon sa matinding korapsyon kasi nagtatakipan sila (Because that is not allowed in our Constitution. There are also many cases of corruption connected to political dynasties because they cover each other up)," San Juan said.
San Juan also encouraged the youth to join cause-oriented organizations, citing the "strength in numbers."
"Bilang individual voices, may magagawa tayo, pero konti-konti. Pag may kasama tayong iba na pareho rin ng gustong mangyari, maaaring mas epektibo nating maitataguyod yung gusto nating isulong na adbokasiya (As individual voices, we can do something, but only a little. If we are with others who share the same goals as us, we may be able to promote our advocacies more effectively)," he added.
According to a study conducted by the Ateneo de Manila University, political dynasties comprise over 70 percent of the Congress.
Moreover, the Philippines could also see sibling pairs in the Senate.
If pre-election surveys hold until 12 May, neophyte Senator Raffy Tulfo will be welcoming his brothers, Erwin and Ben, to the Senate. Both are ranked first and second in numerous surveys, including those of Pulse Asia and Social Weather Stations.
Should Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar win, she will also have to work with her brother Mark in the Senate.
Re-electionist Pia and incumbent Senator Alan Peter Cayetano are also siblings, while Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada and Sen. JV Ejercito are half-brothers.
Further, at least 113 out of 149 city mayors belong to political dynasties, according to the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism's count.
Among them are the Dutertes in Davao City and the Binays in Makati.
The 1987 Philippine Constitution prohibits political dynasties as mentioned in Article II, Section 26: "The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law."
Voter's education becomes a top priority
Meanwhile, Iya Trinidad, spokesperson of the National Union of Students of the Philippines, underscored voter education's importance in honing the youth's critical thinking.
"This is where it all begins. We need to teach the youth at a very young age how to critically think for themselves, paano kumilatis ng mga kandidato (how to judge other candidates), and to really involve themselves not just sa prosesos ng (in the process of) elections but the overall democratic process available," Trinidad explained.
While voting during the elections is important, Trinidad also encouraged the youth to get involved post-polls.
"Yung pagsali sa mga organization, yung pagtakbo natin sa student councils, those are very big steps that create very big impacts sa buhay natin at sa buhay ng mga kapwa natin kabataan at estudyante (Joining organizations, running in student councils, those are very big steps that create very big impacts in our lives and in the lives of our fellow youth and students)," she added.