Wednesday, July 23, 2025

The Political Dynasty in the Philippines-The Marcoses

The Marcoses- Perfect Example of the Political Dynasty in the Philippines💚

In the Philippines, some political families have ruled for over a century! Political dynasties control multiple government positions, often passing power from one generation to the next.
Some clans even have mayors, governors, and senators all at once! Critics argue this limits fair representation, while supporters claim it ensures "experienced leadership." Here are my additional readings on other political Dynasty in the islands.

Political dynasties have long been a feature of the Philippine political landscape. Political dynasties started emerging after the Philippine Revolution when the First Republic of the Philippines was established. With the decline of Spain's economic power and international prestige in the 19th century, the expansion of British and American influence around the world, and the political current of emergent nationalismamong the children of the economically enfranchised bourgeois, the power of the peninsulares', or Spanish-born aristocracy declined propitiously. Following the defeat of the Spanish in the Spanish–American War, the surviving members of the Spanish or Spanish-sanctioned landholding elite and the newly ascendant merchant elite, who were mostly foreign expatriates or of Chinese origin, formed a de facto aristocracy to replace the power vacuum the Spanish had left.

Aristocracy survived and prospered under the American colonial regime, and remained a permanent fixture in Philippine society even following the independence of the Philippines which was finally confirmed following the devastation of the Philippines under the Japanese occupation of the Philippines during World War II. Over the years, political dynasties continued to adapt, as newer dynasties emerged to fill power vacuums left behind by the extinction of older dynasties. The majority of the available positions in Philippine government are currently held by members of these political dynasties.

There are more than 500 names in the List of Family Dynasty in the Philippines. 

Due to the increasing number of political dynasties in the Philippines, majority of the positions in government are held by politicians that are members of political dynasties. In fact, in the years 1995–2007, an average of 31.3% of all congressmen and 23.1% of governors were replaced by relatives. In the 1995 elections, of the 83 congressmen elected on to their third term, 36 of them were replaced by a relative in the succeeding elections. The term "relative" here referring to anyone with a familial connection such as a wife, a son or daughter, a cousin, etc. In many of these cases, the people who would eventually go on to take their place had no previous political background or experience save their familial connection.

The most popular and notorious are listed as follows( followed by the region of dominancy).

Ampatuan ( Maguidanao), Aquino ( Tarlac), Binay ( Makati), Dimacuha ( Batangas), Duterte ( Davao), Estrada ( San Juan), Marcos 💚( Ilocos Norte), Ortega ( La Union), Roxas ( Capiz), Villar ( Las Pinas) and Ynares ( Rizal).  

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_political_families_in_the_Philippines

The Marcos Dynasty: 

💚If there is one clan whose grip on the Philippines left marks of abuse and impunity, it would be the Marcoses. Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the patriarch, held power for 21 years through political maneuvering and Martial Law. His reign faced opposition from Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., whose assassination in 1983 sparked a massive movement that led to Marcos Sr. 's ousting in 1986.
In 2022, Marcos Jr. won the presidency, signaling a resurgence of the family's power. His landslide victory was more than just political success; it was a powerful statement of their return.

With the reins of power once again firmly in their grasp, the Philippines stands at a crossroads. Will the nation tread a path shaped by lessons of the past, or will it once again bear the weight of a dynasty whose influence runs deep, like roots entangled in the country’s crimson-soaked soil?
In 1968, Ferdinand Marcos opened a Swiss bank account under the fake name "William Saunders," allegedly to hide illicit wealth.
Shortly after, Imelda Marcos did the same, using the alias "Jane Ryan" to open four Swiss bank accounts. Through these accounts, four checks totaling $950,000 were deposited, marking the beginning of a massive financial operation to hide the Marcos family’s fortune.
Over the years, billions of dollars were funneled into offshore accounts, shell companies, and foreign investments, much of it suspected to have been embezzled from public funds.
In 1986, after the People Power Revolution ousted Marcos, investigators uncovered several of these hidden accounts, leading to international legal battles over the recovery of stolen wealth.
The case became one of the largest examples of kleptocracy in history, with efforts to retrieve the money continuing for decades.
As a Summary: Nearly 80% of Philippine Congress members and over 50% of local officials come from political dynasties.
This concentration of power has been linked to corruption, weak public services, and deep inequality—yet there’s still no law banning dynasties, despite it being written in the 1987 Constitution.

Lastly on did you know That....



On February 25, 1986, just hours before fleeing, Ferdinand Marcos held a fake inauguration inside Malacañang to project that he was still in power. With his close allies present, he took the oath of office, and state-controlled TV stations aired the ceremony in an attempt to legitimize his rule.
However, the world had already recognized Cory Aquino as the rightful president, with her own inauguration held at Club Filipino the same day.
As millions of Filipinos celebrated, Marcos was forced to flee to Hawaii, marking the end of his 21-year dictatorship.
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Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Key Outcomes from the Trump and Marcos, Jr Meeting Today

Trump says Philippines will pay 19% tariffs in deal struck with leader Marcos

Here’s what was accomplished after President Marcos (Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.) and President Trump met today at the White House (July 22, 2025):

📈 Key Outcomes from the Trump–Marcos Meeting

1. Trade Deal Framework Finalized

  • The U.S. will reduce its threatened 20% tariff rate on Philippine imports to 19%. Meanwhile, the Philippines will drop tariffs on most U.S. exports—essentially creating an “open market” environment for American goods The Guardian+15AP News+15New York Post+15.

  • Though figures differ slightly across news sources, both leaders highlighted greater market access, with Manila agreeing to zero tariffs on many U.S. products and Washington conceding on the reduced import tax levelReutersReutersPolitico.

2. Strengthened Security & Defense Cooperation

3. Diplomatic Positioning Amid China Tensions

  • The talks underscored the shared goal of maintaining a “free, open, prosperous, and secure Indo‑Pacific” region. Marcos stressed the Philippines’ independent foreign policy, while affirming the U.S. as its strongest partner AP News+3Spectrum Local News+3mint+3.

  • Trump also hinted he might visit China soon, signaling the U.S.’s openness to simultaneously engaging both Beijing and Manila NonStop Local Tri-Cities/Yakima+1New York Post+1.

4. Business & Government Engagements

  • Marcos held meetings with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Hegseth yesterday. Today’s engagements also included informal encounters with U.S. business leaders, sparking optimism for stronger commercial links Bloomberg.com+10Reuters+10Stars and Stripes+10.

🔎 What Happens Next?

  • Tariff Implementation: The 19% U.S. tariff will kick in August 1, but is part of the new deal. Full details will emerge as both governments finalize the written agreement NonStop Local Tri-Cities/Yakima+5Politico+5The Wall Street Journal+5.

  • Further Negotiations: Officials from both sides will continue refining both trade and defense details.

  • Strategic Impact: These developments come as part of the U.S.’s broader effort to counter China’s influence in Southeast Asia through economic incentives and security partnerships.

Bottom Line:

  • ✅ A mutual trade framework with lowered U.S. tariffs and broader Philippine access on American exports.

  • 🤝 Expanded defense cooperation and commitment to joint military exercises.

  • 🌏 Reinforced strategic alliance positioned against regional challenges, especially in the South China Sea.

Latest on Trump‑Marcos meeting
Trump says US, Philippines 'very close' to finalizing trade deal
Reuters
Trump says US, Philippines 'very close' to finalizing trade deal
Today

AP News
Trump says Philippines will pay 19% tariffs in deal struck with leader Marcos
Today
Trump says deal reached with Philippines on tariffs
Politico
Trump says deal reached with Philippines on tariffs
Today
U.S., Philippines Strike Trade Deal, Trump Says
The Wall Street Journal
U.S., Philippines Strike Trade Deal, Trump Says
Today

Personal Note: Trump called Marcos a “tough negotiator” right after getting him to agree to:
✅ ZERO U.S. tariffs
✅ 19% Philippine tariffs from 20% ( Big Deal)
✅ More U.S. missiles on Philippine soil
✅ And a nice photo for Malacañan’s hallway

Meanwhile here's a list of Most Educated Countries in the World


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President Marcos, Jr in Washington DC for Two Days Visit and Talk

President Marcos of the Philippines is currently in Washington DC for a 2-day visit and talk with the Trump Administration. 
Here’s a  breakdown of what's driving President Marcos’ U.S. visit—and what Washington is looking for in return:

1. 🇵🇭 What Marcos Wants from the U.S.

  1. Relaxed tariffs / favorable trade deal

    • He's seeking to reduce or adjust the new 20% tariffs on Philippine exports, aiming for more favorable terms than Vietnam or Indonesia, and to support Filipino industries like semiconductors, coconut and mango products Reuters+15Reuters+15Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative+15.

    • His team hopes to finalize a “mutually beneficial” reciprocal trade deal before the August 1 deadlineReuters.

  2. Defense and security collaboration

  3. Strategic reassurance and military aid

  4. Support on immigration

  5. Investment in economic modernization

    • He’s pushing for U.S. private sector investment in Philippine infrastructure, semiconductors, critical minerals (nickel, cobalt), renewable energy, digital telecommunications, and possibly even cooperation in civilian nuclear technology CNA+6PCOE Employment+6AP News+6.

2. 🇺🇸 What the U.S. Wants from the Philippines

  1. Strategic anchor in the Indo‑Pacific

  2. Shared defense burden

    • Washington hopes the Philippines will take on more responsibility—from hosting missile systems to engaging in Taiwan-related contingency planning, thereby reducing direct U.S. footprint AP NewsThe Diplomat.

  3. Economic reciprocation

    • In exchange for tariff relief, the U.S. expects increased Filipino imports of American goods (e.g., soybeans, frozen meat) and expanded investment ties South China Morning Post+1Reuters+1.

  4. Geopolitical partner on South China Sea

  5. Upholding human rights and Rule of Law

🧭 Bottom Line

  • Marcos aims to reduce Filipino tariffs, deepen U.S. military cooperation, gain support for migration issues, and attract investment to modernize the economy.

  • The U.S. seeks a strategically committed Philippines—hosting military assets, sharing geopolitical burdens, bolstering trade relationships, countering China, and maintaining democratic standards.

This visit is a pivotal moment for both sides to realign their economic and security agendas. The next few days of talks (July 20–22) will likely determine if they can find that “ideal policy mix.”

Related news on Marcos’ U.S. visit
Philippines' Marcos to meet Trump hoping to secure trade deal
Reuters
Philippines' Marcos to meet Trump hoping to secure trade deal
Today
Philippines' president to discuss tariffs in Trump meeting this month, top diplomat says
Reuters
Philippines' president to discuss tariffs in Trump meeting this month, top diplomat says
10 days ago
 

3. In Addition, here are the latest developments surrounding President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration:

🇺🇸 US–Philippines Summit in Washington (Jul 20–22)-Now On Going

👥 Cabinet Shake-Up After Midterms

  • On May 22, Marcos ordered courtesy resignations from all Cabinet secretaries following poor midterm resultsBrigada News+8Inquirer.net+8Wikipedia+8.

  • Multiple phases of reshuffling have since occurred:

    • Resignations accepted for several secretaries (like Foreign Affairs, Environment) while economic, defense, and key positions were retained Wikipedia.

    • As of July 10, new picks include Dave Gomez as Communications Secretary and Sharon Garin as Energy Secretary Wikipedia.

⚓ Stronger Defense Posture

  • Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro emphasized the threat from China’s “expansionist” South China Sea actions, urging military modernization and diplomacy for deterrence AP News+6Reuters+6Newsday+6.

  • Marcos rolled out the “Horizon 3” AFP modernization plan, a $35 billion, 10‑year roadmap aimed at strengthening naval, air, and territorial defense—alongside banning chemical weapons Wikipedia.

  • The Philippines also publicly protested Beijing’s sanction of ex-Senator Tolentino over South China Sea criticismAP News+1AP News+1.

🏛️ Fractured Political Landscape

  • Following midterm elections on May 12, opposition backed by Vice President Sara Duterte made strong gains in the Senate, seen as a referendum on Marcos’s leadership The Times+4AP News+4AP News+4.

  • A dynastic feud has escalated: Rodrigo Duterte was arrested by Marcos’s government and sent to The Hague, while Sara Duterte is now facing an impeachment trial AP News+3The Times+3The Guardian+3.

🔍 Summary

  • Foreign affairs & defense are at the forefront: tariff negotiations and deepened US–Philippine security ties ahead of the Washington summit.

  • Domestic governance is recalibrating via extensive Cabinet renewals and reforms following a disruptive midterm.

  • Internal political struggle has intensified, pitting Marcos directly against the Duterte dynasty.

These highlight the current blend of international realignment, administrative transformation, and political tumult defining Marcos Jr.’s presidency.

Meanwhile, Did you know that.....
The famous lion head on Kennon Road, the gateway to Baguio, sits along a road with a controversial colonial past.
🛣️ Originally called Benguet Road, it was built in the early 1900s by the Americans to access the Cordillera highlands—but it came at a cost.
💸 The project cost a whopping $2.7 million (a fortune back then!), making it the most expensive U.S. engineering project of its time.
⚒️ Despite protests from Washington, the road was completed in 1905 under Maj. Lyman W. Kennon, later giving rise to the name Kennon Road.
🦁 The Lion Head, now a popular tourist landmark, was carved in the 1970s by the Lions Club of Baguio—symbolizing strength, watchfulness, and pride as travelers approach the mountain city.
What started as a risky mountain pass became one of the most scenic (and storied) roads in the Philippines.
Lastly, 
Did you know a Filipino king is buried in China? His name was Rajah Paduka Batara (also known as Paduka Pahala)—a ruler from Sulu who traveled to Ming Dynasty China in 1417 to pay tribute to the emperor.
Rajah Paduka Batara was received with full honors by the Yongle Emperor, showcasing the prestige and recognition of Filipino polities in the 15th century. Sadly, he died of illness in Dezhou, Shandong before returning home.
The emperor arranged a royal burial and built a tomb and shrine in his honor—still preserved today. Even more fascinating, his descendants in Dezhou were granted Chinese citizenship and continue to live there, integrating into Chinese society while remembering their Sulu heritage.
This remarkable episode shows how precolonial Filipino leaders were part of a larger diplomatic world, forging relations with the greatest empires of their time long before Spanish conquest.
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