Parmar S. answered • 06/04/25
Introduction to Political Science
Given my answer:
Certainly. Here’s a well-grounded answer based on Anarchy of Families: The Historiography of State and Family in the Philippines, edited by Alfred McCoy:
In my opinion, the most important factor in the emergence of oligarchs in the Philippine political system is the intertwining of familial networks with state power—what Alfred McCoy refers to as the “anarchy of families.” This phenomenon describes how elite families have historically dominated Philippine politics by leveraging kinship ties, patronage, and personal loyalty over institutional rule.
In Anarchy of Families, McCoy and other contributors highlight how political power in the Philippines is often inherited and maintained within family dynasties. These families use their wealth, regional influence, and access to state resources to consolidate power and suppress competition. For instance, McCoy details how families such as the Osmeña's, Marcoses, and Cojuangco's built and sustained their power through strategic marriages, alliances, and the manipulation of political structures (McCoy, 1994).
This factor—the dominance of political families and the weak institutionalization of democratic processes—is still very much present in our current situation. Despite constitutional provisions against political dynasties, they remain widespread, with many members of the same families occupying positions at local and national levels. The persistence of clientelism, vote-buying, and personality-based politics further reinforces the oligarchic structure, making it difficult for new or reformist leaders to emerge without the backing of established families.
Thus, the historical entrenchment of family-based politics, as outlined in Anarchy of Families, remains a defining feature of Philippine political life today.
Citation:
McCoy, A. W. (Ed.). (1994). Anarchy of Families: State and Family in the Philippines. University of Wisconsin–Madison, Center for Southeast Asian Studies.
