Political dynasties are receiving strong opposition in the City of Baguio. Spearheaded by the Baguio Youth Movement, various groups and individuals recently gathered to support the “Baguio Against Dynasty” initiative. Participants included candidates, sectoral representatives, youth, women, senior citizens, members of the academe, and ordinary residents.
The “Baguio Against Dynasty” movement was held on May 6, 2025. The program featured a motorcade called “Busina Against Dynasty,” which began at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center and ended at Malcolm Square. A unity walk was initially planned but had to be canceled due to bad weather. At Malcolm Square, sectoral representatives delivered speeches expressing their views on political dynasties and explaining why they should be firmly opposed.
The event also included an open mic segment titled “Sing Against Dynasty.” It served not only as a protest but also as a platform for civic engagement and public discussion.
According to a study by the Ateneo School of Government, political dynasties refer to families where multiple members hold government positions either successively or simultaneously. These families are often linked to issues such as poverty, favoritism, corruption, and poor leadership.
The Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) reported that 216 out of 253 district representatives come from political families. Additionally, 36 out of 54 party-list groups have at least one nominee from a political clan. At the local level, 71 out of 82 governors and 113 out of 149 mayors are also from political families.
The 1987 Philippine Constitution, under Article II, Section 26, states: “The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.” Despite this constitutional mandate, no enabling law has been passed to implement the prohibition.
Ms. Dona Digna Rosario, representing the academic and women’s sectors, emphasized that leadership is a duty, not a family entitlement. “Being a public servant is not something you’re born into. Leadership is a responsibility, not a family heirloom. Dito sa Baguio, ngayon lang po ito nangyari. We are the only city in Luzon where political dynasties have not taken root—until now. Are we just going to let it happen? There are so many capable, honest, and hardworking leaders out there. We just don’t hear about them—because they’re not rich, or they don’t come from famous families,” she said.
Baguio resident Nico Ponce also shared his perspective, stating, “Bilang kabataan, ang nakataya dito yung kinabukasan ng kabataan. Sa matagal na panahon, ang ating lipunan ay napapalibutan na ng pamilya na pareparehas ng apelyido na mula sa mga political dynasty. Personally, ang ating pag-marcha at ang ating pakiki-isa sa panawagan laban sa political dynasty ay para rin sa ating kinabukasan.”
Faisal Sapiin added, “Choose hope. Choose leaders who choose us! Bayan muna, hindi sarili. Vote for genuine leaders. The Senate needs legal minds, public servants, and true advocates—not actors, businessmen, or heirs of political dynasties. We deserve better legislators and better legislation. Vote with hope. Vote for a better future.”
On the other hand, Elmer Sagsago presented a contrasting view, stating that in Baguio, what matters most to voters is the individual candidate and their reputation. “In the city of Baguio, what counts is the candidate himself/herself: how the candidate is perceived by the voter. It really does not matter to voters if the candidate is the child or grandchild of a former politician. Dynasty arguments are irrelevant. As my barber said while shaving my head: ‘Dyna dynasty nga? Basta maka tulong ken agserbi.’ And so, I might have irritated, angered or made enemies knowing that my vote will be characterized as dynastical. Even then, and until a law is passed, candidates belonging to the same family who win are included in this maxim: Vox Populi Vox Dei (The voice of the people is the voice of God).”
The event on May 6 reflected a range of views regarding political dynasties in Baguio City. While many expressed strong opposition, others defended the right of voters to choose based on individual merit. As the debate continues, the issue remains a significant topic of public concern and political discourse. By Annjay Domilies
