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CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION Politics according to Ginsberg (2005) is conflict over the leadership, structure, and policies of governments. (Ginsberg 2005, p. A37). Furthermore, Heywood(2007) define politics as an activity through which people make, preserve and amend the general rules under which they live. (Heywood 2007, p. 1).Thus, politics is the concerns of number of people in dealing conflict, making, preserving and amending general rules and structures and policies of governments. However, in the context of Philippine politics a significant statistics shows that political leadership and its structure were in the hands of notable families. For several generations in the Philippines, the dominance of family-based dynasties has been given in Filipino politics. (Aquino 1998, p.8) Alfred McCoy (1994) stipulated that family name in the Philippines is a valuable asset. Together with their money (capital), land and elite families, as Jeremy Beckett argues that often thought to transmit their character and characteristic to their younger generations. (McCoy 1994, p. 8). Thus, political positions in the Philippine politics are inherited from single clan. According to the study conducted by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism from eighth to 12th congress 2/3 members of the house belong to the political dynasties. (Simbulan 2007).

Partly to blame for the perpetuation of the dynasty phenomenon is the Constitution itself, though inadvertently. Because of the disastrous experience with the Marcos regime, the framers of 1987 charter wanted to end political dynasties. They included provisions for term limits for holders of public office one six-year term for president and vice president, two six-year terms for senators, and three-year terms for representatives, governors, mayors and other local officials. It seemed like a radical idea then which the electorate welcomed. (Aquino 1998, p.17-18) What happened in the last elections was that the officials who were termed out simply anointed, as indicated above, or selected their own spouses, children, and other relatives to run in their stead while they filed their candidacy for other offices. (Aquino 1998, p. 17-18) What the constitution should have provided as a safeguard is that a relative up to a certain degree cannot be eligible for the incumbents position. Without it, every termed-vacated position has become fair game to the incumbents relatives. Therefore, instead of contracting or undermining dynasticim, the absence of such a provision in the Constitution greatly expanded the size of the incumbent political dynasties. (Aquino 1998, p.18-19)

Objectives of the Study The general purpose of this study is to determine the political dynasty situation of San Miguel Leyte in relation to the responses of the key informants.

Specifically, this study aims to answer the following questions: 1. To identify personalities and families that holds key municipal positions in San Miguel, Leyte from 1987 to present. 2. To characterize dominant political families in San Miguel, Leyte from 1987 to present. 3. Determine the factors for their long staying in politics. 4. Determine the factors for their downfall in politics. 5. To determine strategies they did for their resurgence in politics. 6. To collate insights and views among key informants of San Miguel, Leyte regarding the presence of political dynasty in the municipality.

Conceptual Framework
FAMILIES ENGAGE IN POLITICS

POLITICAL DYNASTY

PERCEPTIONS OF KEY INFORMANTS ON THE LOCAL POLITICAL SITUATION OF SAN MIGUEL, LEYTE REGARDING POLITICAL DYNASTY IN THE MUNICIPALITY LOCAL POLITICAL SITUATION OF SAN MIGUEL, LEYTE (Dominant Families)

The schematic diagram shows that political dynasty is present in the local political situation of San Miguel, Leyte. With the following indicators:

1. Succession of people from the same family who play a prominent role in politics. (New Oxford Dictionary of English (2001) 2. Husbands, wives, sons, daughters, and close relative occupy many public offices; during elections, we likewise see them all running for public office. (Simbulan 2007)

From that, we can identify the dominant political families that dominate in the municipality. In addition, perceptions and opinions from the Punong Barangays and other Key informants regarding local political dynasty situation in the municipality will be solicited.

Theoretical Framework Elitism According to Vilredo Pareto, Gaetano Mosca and Robert Michels democracy was no more than a foolish delusion, because a privileged minority always exercises political power: called the elites. (Heywood 2002, p. 79) Mosca explained that in all societies, two classes of people appear- a class that rules and a class that is ruled. From that, he argues that the necessary resources or attributes to rule are always unequally distributed, and the privilege minority will always be able to manipulate and control the masses. (Heywood 2002, p. 79) On other hand, Pareto suggested that the qualities needed to rule are those of one of two psychological types: foxes and lions. The foxes are those who rule by cunning and are able to manipulate the consent of the masses. While the lions, are those whose domination is typically achieved through coercion and violence. (Heywood 2002, p. 79)

Heywood (2002) also noted the arguments of Michels which he termed as the iron law of oligarchy, accordingly, that for power to be concentrated in the hands of a small group of dominant figures who can organize and make decisions, rather than being in the hands of an apathetic rank and file.

Significance of the Study The study is significant since it will determine political families that can be considered build political dynasty in the municipality. Also, the study will be able to voice out the points of views among the key informants regarding the presence of political dynasty in the municipality. Furthermore, we can able to signify factors that able the political families successful in holding positions and how they were defeated and come back to power. Moreover, the study will be able to determine possible recommendations regarding the subject matter.

Scope and Limitations of the Study The study will focus on the presence of political dynasty of San Miguel Leyte only. It will cover the political situation of the municipality from 1987 to the present. Furthermore, insights of the key informants regarding political dynasty in the municipality will not be similar with the views of other municipality. However, the research is much significant since it will show the political dynasty

situation in the municipal level. Despite with these limitations, the researchers hope that the said study will be a great help in the academic and research community.

Definition of Terms Election is a procedure that allows members of the community to choose representatives who will hold positions of authority within it. Katunaan means lands usually used for agricultural production Lider or wards means an individual that has Political Dynasty is the dominance of family in politics Saop means tenant of the land

CHAPTER TWO REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE Political Dynasty Defined According to Mazrui (2008), Political dynasties are those families that have exerted disproportionate influence on the politics of their community. Furthermore, according to the Webster Dictionary, dynasty means a line or succession from the same family. (Sison 1987, p. 4) In addition, New Oxford Dictionary of English (2001) defines dynasty as a succession of people from the same family who play a prominent role in politics. Thus, political dynasty defined as a succession among members of the family or clan in political positions. CENPEG noted that in the Philippines, it has about 250 political dynasties who have dominated the Philippine politics at the national and local level and who have monopolized political power as families for the past 30 years and more. (CENPEG, 2007) Professor Roland Simbulan stipulated in his one lectures Politics is a family affair, so that from the national to the local level, we see long family histories of political rule. Husbands, wives, sons, daughters, and close relative occupy many public offices; during elections we likewise see them all running for public office. (Simbulan 2007)

Gonzales narrated that due to the enormous wealth of some elite political Filipino families, they have been able to perpetuate themselves in local and national politics for generations forming political dynasties with solid control of congressional districts, provinces and towns. (Fuston 2001, p.283) Factors in Maintaining Political Dynasty in the Philippines Money It is a not denying fact that holding elective positions takes a great burden in ones pocket. Thus, monetary factors are considered as a must to maintain ones political career. Likewise, to extend and continue the family vested interest and survival in monopolizing political positions, money is highly regarded. PCIJ (2004) noted that families that endure and survive political upheaval are more likely to be those that have a sustainable economic base to finance their participation in electoral battles. Furthermore, the case of Philippine elections is much costly. As of 2004, to run a congressional campaign will cost up to 30 million for Metro Manila Districts. On the part of rural areas, the price would cost a candidate for as much less: P10 million on averages, although campaigns can be run for P3 million or less in smaller districts where the competition is not too intense. (Coronel 2007)

Machines Aside from monetary factors, machines are also valuable. With the availability of money for political families, they were able to procure machineries that wield their winability. Accordingly, Elections require the mobilization of

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people and resources to ensure that votes are cast and counted in a candidate's favor. A congressman's political machine typically includes a network of lider at the village or barangay level, either the barangay captain, council member, or an influential person, such as a successful local entrepreneur or the head of a community organization. These lider in turn mobilize a network of campaigners for the candidate. The campaigners will put up posters and streamers and conduct house-to-house visits, reminding voters of the candidate's good deeds. The lider may also get favors done for the villagers (such as help for a baptism or a burial), and if necessary, transport them to the places where they register and vote. (Coronel 2007) As a result, the more lider that the politician has, the bigger the network he acquires to vote for him. Moreover, the author also expressed that big landowners have an advantage as they can mobilize the votes of their workers or tenants and use the hacienda organization of overseers for the campaign. Others bring into their campaigns whatever organizational advantage they have, whether these are religious, business, school, fraternity, or civic (e.g. Rotary Clubs) affiliations that enable a candidate to tap into the resources of organized groups. The family, of course, is a built-in political machine, with the network of kin often proving to be committed campaigners and contributors. (Coronel 2007)

Media and/or movies At present time, not only civilian individuals are determined to hold public positions. Big names such as stars and media icons and personalities were seen in

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the lime of political arena. Entertainers were hired by politicians during the previous elections to draw the crowds. But now, stars are also running and aspiring to hold an office while others are married to politicians. (Coronel 2007) As a result, showbiz dynasties have now emerged. These, however, have been more successful in their bids for national, rather than local or district office. In part, this is because name recall is of paramount importance when vying for national positions, while money and machinery often matter more in local or district elections. If showbiz clans are more successful, they are able to win both national and local posts. (Coronel 2007)

Marriage Politicians can consolidate political networks and expand the reach of clans through political marriages. Just like the marriage of Benigno Aquino Jr. and Corazon Cojuangco in 1954 that have united two of the most powerful political clans in Tarlac. The case of Ilocos Sur Rep. Ferdinand Marcos can be considered as a political marriage because he wed Imelda Romualdez after a whirlwind 11-day courtship. Coronel noted that families whose members marry astutely are able to pool various assets together to enhance their political chances. For example, realestate entrepreneur Manuel Villar Jr. married into a political family, the Aguilars of Las Pias, whose political experience and electoral machine helped him win a seat in the House in 1992. Using the Aguilar political machine, Villar took over the seat held by his father-in-law Filemon in the Eighth House. Villar's businesses

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benefited from his political clout several laws benefiting real-estate companies were passed in the House during his term and he also successfully weathered a congressional inquiry into government financing for his housing projects.

Murder and mayhem To ensure the success beyond the operation of money and marriages, politicians resorted to use violence to enable to control the situation. PCIJ (2004) argues that the importance of political violence in dynasty building is exemplified by the saga of the Singsons of Ilocos Sur, which shows how an upstart family can wrest control of a political and economic bailiwick through violence. In 1970, Luis 'Chavit' Singson allegedly killed his uncle, strongman Floro Crisologo, to become, up to now, the undisputed boss of Ilocos Sur. Furthermore, in Cavite, the only way Juanito Remulla could exercise political hegemony over banditry and assorted criminality was by keeping a private army. Remulla began his political career under the tutelage of Senator Justiniano Montano, the Cavite strongman whose 35-year rule was marked by violence and the coddling of smuggling and other syndicates that proliferated in the province. In 1969, Remulla parted ways with Montano, and two years later, when he was a Constitutional Convention delegate, he made his mark in the gangster-style execution of the notorious bandit Leonardo Manecio, known as Nardong Putik. The killing made Remulla a power to reckon with in Cavite. Elected to the provincial board in 1972, he became vice governor the same year, after the governor was suspended. When the new governor, Dominador

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Camerino, died suddenly in 1979, Remulla took over the post, which he kept until 1986. During that period, he laid the ground for the industrialization of Cavite, a process that was marred by killings, threats, and intimidation of workers and farmers by the governor and his men. He was reelected in 1988, and again in 1992 and 1995. His political machine was so formidable it ensured that his allies monopolized Cavite's seats in Congress in the post-Marcos period. In 2001, Remulla's son, erstwhile television reporter Gilbert, then only 31, became congressional representative. (Coronel, 2004). PCIJ (2004) added that violence is rooted in the political and economic geography of a political territory. Some clans had to resort to violence to assert and maintain their control. In other places, though, violence was not a requisite for political domination.

Myth With the concept of myth, Ferdinand Marcos comes to mind, if only because he was so adept at the tactics of establishing political hegemony. Marcos built his career by projecting himself as a World War II hero who formed Maharlika, a 9,200-strong band of anti-Japanese guerrillas that staged daring raids and sabotage operations in northern Luzon. The young Ferdinand was supposedly such a daredevil operator that he got 32 medals for his valiant efforts during the war. In 1947, as war hero, he was appointed to the Philippine Veterans Commission to lobby in the U.S. for better benefits for war veterans. In 1949, he ran for Congress in Ilocos Sur, again projecting his wartime heroism to heighten

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his electoral appeal. The emptiness of all his claims was exposed only in the 1980s: The war medals were fake and Maharlika never really existed. (Coronel 2004)

Coronel of PCIJ (2004) explained that with the illusion of Marcos his myth was able to sustain his political family for several generations, but only as long as the family attempts to live up to some part of that myth. Up to the last, even when he was very weak from lupus and undergoing dialysis, Marcos tried to project the myth of potency and invincibility, of the big, powerful man who would lead his country to greatness. The myth ended with his fall, but endures in many parts of the Ilocos region. One source of developing a good myth is the media. Increasingly, electorates make their choices based on the images they see on television. Like the cases of Loren Legarda and Noli de Castro who toppled the 1998 and 2001 senatorial races. People perceived them in television, as intelligent, credible, and authoritative, even when they are merely reading from a text written by others.

Mergers (alliances) Dreaming for great success is not solely credited without the presence of support of other groups. Despite of their available resources, they have to create and extend their network to enable to gain more support that enhances their assurance of success. That is why many political families build alliances with other clans and influential politicians in their native regions as well as with those

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elsewhere who wield power nationally. As the clich goes, Politics is addition. Also, joining in the administration block the power in family serves well:

because it opens the doors to fund releases from the national government, appointments for kin and supporters to various juicy government posts, and favorable treatment for various family business interests. While joining the

opposition block it means the family will starved for funds for local projects and being vulnerable to harassment by government regulators. (Coronel 2004) Those political families who support the winning presidential candidate can expect to be rewarded after the elections. The winning president can appoint his or her choices to more than 6,000 positions in the bureaucracy. Traditionally these are given out to political supporters. Being a presidential ally also means access to government loans, contracts, and other benefits. This is why political families pool their resources to support presidential candidates. Political parties as discussed earlier are the organizational manifestation of clan alliances. (Coronel 2004) Law on Political Dynasty Our history is replete with accounts that political dynasty brings additional hurt than smart to our nation. Political dynasty is one amongst the root causes why it's troublesome to address the problem of graft and corruption (Aaron R Daniel, www.articlecontentprovider.com). Pursuant to one of the newly enunciated State policies found in our present Constitution which declares that the state shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined

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by law (Art II Sec. 26), a bill has already been filed by Senate President Pro tempore Teofisto Guingona, Jr. purposely to concretize and give meaning to this laudable objective (Jose Sison 1988, p.4-5). Today, political dynasties are supposed to be prohibited by the Constitution. Sec.26 Art.II of the 1987 Constitution. Though this prohibition does exist, an enabling law is needed. Since 1987, the anti-political dynasty bills filed never got to first base. Why? Most lawmakers from the administration and opposition oppose the Constitutional ban on political dynasties because they too come from political ndynasties and clans, which have been long entrenched in power (Simbulan, 2007).

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CHAPTER THREE Research Methodology This chapter presents the research design, locale of the study, research respondent, sampling scheme, research instrument, unit of analysis, statistical treatment employed in this study.

Research Design The method that the study wishes to apply is the approach done by Remigio Agpalo in his study THE POLITICAL ELITE AND THE PEOPLE A study of Politics in Occidental Mindoro. Agpalo used historical data, examined available public records available in various government offices. After such data has been collected, he collated various relevant pieces of information together with the interviews from the political elite in 1962. The time frame for the study is from 1987 since the new constitution mentioned that the state shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law (Art II Sec. 26). Thus, the constitution insisted the prohibition of political dynasty after the long tyrannical regime of President Ferdinand Marcos.

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Locale of the Study

The study will be conducted in the Municipality of San Miguel, Leyte. This is one of the municipalities of province of Leyte located at the first congressional district of the province surrounded by Municipalities of Babatngon,

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Barugo and Alangalang. The municipality comprises of 21 barangays, some barangays of which are located at the coastal zones of the municipality. As a coastal municipality, fishing is one of the primary sources of income among inhabitants specially those who were located at the coastal areas. Fishes were sold and other aquatic products of the municipality mostly by roving vendors. Moreover, the rest of its land area was concentrated in agriculture. Palay, Coconut and other root crops were the common products coming from farming. Constituents in the municipality were mostly dominated by Roman Catholics and much devotee to the patron their patron Saint which the name of the municipality was derived. The researchers identified ten barangays to serve as research locale for the study.

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BARANGAYS OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF SAN MIGUEL

1. *BAGACAY

8. CAYARE

15. MALAGUINABOT

2. BAIRAN

9. * GUINCIAMAN

16. MAWODPAWOD

3. *BAHAY

1O. KINALUMSAN

17. PATONG

4. *CABATIANUHAN

11. IMPO

18.* SAN ANDRES

5. CANAP

12. *LIBTONG

19. PINARIGUSAN

6. CARAYCARAY

13.* LUKAY

20.STA. CRUZ

7. CAPILIHAN

14. MALPAG

21.* SANTOL

The Barangays printed in bold are the chosen barangays for the study. All barangays are listed in alphabetical order.

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Research Respondent The respondents of this study were the identified families that seated for many times from 1987 up to the present. The member of the clan or family that is an incumbent official will serve as the respondent. In addition, insights from the elected Punong Barangays, Brgy. Kagawads, SB members, Wards and other electorates of the Municipality will be collected regarding the existing presence of political families that dominated the local politics. Insights of Punong Barangays and Wards are important since they were the closest man and much knowledgeable to the officials of the municipality that transacts matters regarding politics.

Sampling Scheme The member of the clan or family that presently holds position in the municipality will serve as the respondent. Incumbent Punong Barangay and identified key informant per barangay will serve as additional respondents for this study.

Research Instrument

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The researchers would like to use data that shows lists of municipal officials from 1987. Furthermore, the researchers would like to use an interview questioner that will solicit opinions about political dynasty in the municipality.

Unit of Analyses The actual data and responses that the respondents gave in the aforementioned instrument served as the units of analysis in this study.

Statistical Treatment Research data will be presented in textual and tabular form. Simple frequencies and percentages will be utilized in presenting, analyzing, and interpreting the research data.

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CHAPTER FOUR RESEARCH FINDINGS The research respondents for the study were the identified key informants selected per barangay. These key informants are the incumbent Punong Barangay or incumbent Barangay Officials and wards, also some electorates serves as respondents.

Demographic Profile of Key Informants

Table 1. Gender ====================================================

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Gender

Total

___________________________________________________________ Male 15 46.875% 46.785%

Female

17

53.125%

53.125%

____________________________________________________________ 32 100.00% 100.00%

==================================================== Table 1 indicates that majority (53.125%) of the respondents were women.

Table 2. Age ====================================================

Age Range

Total

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____________________________________________________________ 21-30 years old 31-40 years old 41-50 years old 51-60 years old 61-70 years old 71-80 years old 1 7 10 8 3 1 3.1255% 21.875% 31.250% 25.000% 9.375% 3.125% 3.1255% 21.875% 31.250% 25.000% 9.375% 3.125%

____________________________________________________________ 32 100.00% 100.00%

==================================================== A significant number of key informants (31.250%) ages from 41 to 50 years old.

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Table 3. Civil Status ====================================================

Total

____________________________________________________________ Married 26 81.25% 81.25%

Single 15.625%

15.625%

Widow 3.125%

3.125%

____________________________________________________________ 32 100.00% 100.00%

==================================================== Table 3 shows that majority of the key informants were married. Only 15.625% of the key informants were single and only 1 is widow.

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Table 4. Highest Educational Attainment ====================================================

Total

____________________________________________________________ Elementary 31.250% 10 31.250%

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Secondary 31.250%

10

31.250%

College 34.375%

11

34.375%

Vocational 3.125%

3.125%

____________________________________________________________ 32 100.00% 100.00%

==================================================== 34.375 % of key informants reach College level of education. While 31.25% both reaches elementary and secondary education.

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Table 5. Profession ===============================================

Total

______________________________________________________ Unemployed Employed Carpenter Fisherman Farmer Store Owner 13 19 1 5 9 2 40.625% 59.375% 5.26% 26.32% 47.37% 10.53% 40.625% 59.375%

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Teacher Businessman

1 1

5.26% 5.26%

___________________________________________________________ _ 32 100.00% ==================================================== Table 5 shows that majority of the key informants were employed. 47.37% of the 59.375% of employed respondents were farmers. 100.00%

Table 6. Position ====================================================

Total

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____________________________________________________________ Punong Barangay Barangay Kagawad Former Punong Barangay Former Barangay Kagawad 6.250% SB Member Electorates 2 11 6.250% 34.375% 3.125% 34.375% 7 9 1 2 21.875% 28.125% 3.125% 6.250% 21.875% 28.125% 3.125%

____________________________________________________________ 32 100.00% 100.00%

==================================================== Table 6 indicates that majority of the key informants holds or previously holds barangay positions. 28.125% of them that holds positions are incumbent barangay kagawad.

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The study sought to identify notable political families that lasted for a long period since 1987. Thus, in this chapter will be discuss the gathered records of lists of officials that ruled the municipality since it was established. A. Political Families Two political families were been identified by the researchers that fits to the definition of political dynasty that is the succession of people from the same family who play a prominent role in politics and lasted for a long period of time. Namely the Lapidario and Brazil family.

Lapidario Family The first member of the Lapidario clan that holds an elected position in the municipality was Justina S. Lapidario serve as Municipal Councilor from 1960 up to 1964. After that term, Atty. Uldarico A. Lapidario was elected as Municipal Mayor for a three year term for the years 1964 up to 1968. The term of office of Mayor Uldarico A. Lapidario or commonly called by the constituents as Ulding was similar to President Ferdinand E. Marcos. After 1968, he was also served as the municipal mayor for the year 1968 up to 1986.

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Mayor Ulding earned a 5term of office as a local patron of the Marcoses, as told by the local residents. He served as Municipal Mayor from 1964 until 1986. In the history of local politics of the municipality, he was the title holder as the longest Mayor which he served for 22 years in the municipality until the People Power revolution. From 1986 until 1994, there was no Lapidario that hold key municipal positions. In 1995 elections, Richard Len Lapidario at age 24 runs for the Mayoralty race, unfortunately loss to his opponents. After three years, in the year 2001, the son of the former Mayor Ulding, Oscar Django L. Lapidario, a farmer and businessman, was elected as the Municipal Vice-Mayor for one term. Unfortunately, seeking his second term was not visible on his part. He was defeated by Almar C. Balais who was a three termer SB member of the Sangguniang Bayan prior to his candidacy as the municipal Vice-Mayor. In 2004 election, his son, Richard Len B. Lapidario, grandson of Mayor Uldarico, seek for the position as SB member and luckily ended ranked number eight (8). After his successful in his first term office, he decided to seek for another term. He was fortunate enough to ranked 6 th among the elected SB Members. Recently, after earning his two terms as SB member, he decided to run for a higher post in the legislative branch of the municipality, as Vice-Mayor. He defeated the incumbent Vice-Mayor, Atty. Matusalem S. Calamaya who was seeking for his second term.

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The Lapidario family was able to have a Municipal Mayor, two ViceMayors and a SB member in their family. They successfully hold elected position in the municipality from the grandfather up to the grandson for almost 31 years and still counting because there is yet an incumbent Lapidario in the Sangguniang Bayan serving as the Municipal Vice Mayor whose term expected to end in 2013. The mode of transition practiced by the family was by seniority and whoever was the most acceptable to the constituencies during their own time, as told by the grandson. Despite some of its members were elected, political conflict was not felt within the family because consensus is always practiced. As explained by Richard Len:
Politics never caused divisiveness in the family. We always came up with a consensus of who was and most qualified to run.

Membership in political affiliation was not uniform from the start. Their affiliations depend on that of the administration bloc.
At the start of my grandfathers political carreer, the two-party system prevailed. He was primarily a member of the Nacionalista Party before he joined the Liberal party because of the influence of the Marcos. When the multi-party system became prevalent starting in the 70s, it was now more of either belonging to the administration of the opposition. Our family was mostly aligned with the administration, locally at least Richard Len asserted.

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That is why when he ran for SB member and Vice-Mayor he belonged to the bloc of the incumbent Mayor. Supporters and allies from the barangays are seen to be important factors in order to be successful. That is why earning the support of all Barangay Captains in the municipality which are commonly their wards, gives them an edge over other candidates. As practiced by their family and from the experienced of the incumbent Vice Mayor When youre not running for the mayoralty position you dont limit or align yourself with the barangay chairmen who belong to your group. As much as possible you seek the help of all of them They dont limit their number of barangay captains. In his personal experience he advised that Substantial enough, I guess so as have me elected, by Gods Grace, twice as Municipal Councilor starting 2004, and my current position In response for the loyalty and support of their wards, he and his family offer their help in their own little way, it can be financially or personal presence. But they dont only limit their generosity to their supporters during the election period but also those who were against in their candidacy as explained by Vice Mayor Chad. Political decisions of members of the family were consulted in the Family. However, the last say were always at the individual. They just inform their decisions as part of courtesy and asking for guidance. As told by Richard Len Lapidario:

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I always give much weight to my family not only in deciding to run for public office but also in every major decision in my political career. But the final decision is mine and mine alone and nobody can dictate it to me! I give much consideration to my family because if they wont support me how much more can I expect from those with whom I am not related to.

Based on the experience of Richard Len Lapidario, he always want his family to be updated on whatever major decisions he has to made especially matters regarding politics. One reason he wants his family to be informed is to gain their support. If he was able to get their active support it only means that he can also win the support of other people he wants to serve. But in the end, whatever the outcome of the decision of the family, he has the final say. As part of cultural tradition, closed family ties has been a trademark among Filipino families. In every endeavor experienced by any member of the family or clan, it is always given by support. Such custom and practice was also seen in Lapidario family. On a personal note of Richard:
I receive financial and moral support. They also give much encouragement. From them primarily comes much faith that I am worthy and capable of the position I aspire for and that I have what it takes to win that position.

Financial support from the family is highly valuable for the candidate. But whats more inspiring and significant for the candidate is the moral support

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that boosts his interest and confidence that he can make it for he is highly qualified and fit for the job. But the most important supporter that a Lapidario candidate wants to get is the one hundred percent support from his family and even in his clan. As noted by Chad As much as possible we try to convince each and every member of the family to support whoever is decided upon to run for public office because the more support you have, the better chances you have of winning.

BRAZIL FAMILY After the Filipino American Revolution, Cornelio Brazil was the Presidente, Town Executive of San Miguel from 1923 to 1924. When the Marcos regime was ousted, interim municipal officials from August 1986 until December 1987 served as an OIC officials for the municipality. Proto Q. Brazil, Jr. served as the OIC Municipal Vice-Mayor during that period. February 1988 he became the duly elected Municipal ViceMayor until June 22, 1992. During the 1992 election, he seek for the Mayoralty position and was humbly elected as Municipal Mayor under Republic Act 7160 from June 22, 1992 to June 30, 1995. Mayor Proto or commonly called as Toty was fortunate enough to excel on the 1995 elections. However, seeking on his third term was a disaster on his part. He was defeated by Atty. Eulogio L. Laboga.

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Losing on his former Mayor while he was a Vice Mayor did not end his aspiration to be a Municipal Mayor for the next round. In the 2001 election he defeated the incumbent Municipal Mayor Eulogio L. Laboga. Since 2001 until 2010 he was successful in holding a straight three terms position as Municipal Mayor. He was able to serve the municipality for almost 21 years as Municipal Mayor, 15 years of which was devoted as Mayor, two terms from 1992 to 1998 and three terms from 2001 until 2010. After ending his carrier as the Municipal Mayor, he tries his luck for a provincial position. He run for Board Member for the first District of Leyte in 2010, unfortunately he was defeated by former Mayor of Tanuan Roque Tiu and incumbent Board Member Malou Go-Soco. While Mayor Toty was serving Municipal Vice-Mayor in 1998, his brother Prospero Brazil serve as the ABC President serving as an Ex.Officio Member in the Sangguniang Bayan. When Mayor Toty was elected Mayor, Prospero Brazil or commonly called Pros served as ABC President for the third time and earned his third term as an Ex. Officio member until 1998. After serving three terms as SB ex officio member, he decided to run for SB Member together with his brother Toty seeking for revenge for the Mayoralty position in 2004. He was successful enough to earn a three term of office from 2004 until 2010 as SB Member. After an impressive consistent rank number one (1) SB Member during election, he replaced his brother Toty as the Municipal Mayor last May 2010 election.

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Another from Brazil family, Bryan Neil B. Brazil hold an ex-officio position as SK president from 1992 and ended in August 14,2002 while his uncles was serving as Municipal Mayor and Councilor, In September 2002, Protacio Q. Brazil or Tatas,the brother of Mayor Toty and Councilor Pros, served as the ABC President until 2004. Up to the present he is on his 3rd term as the ABC President holding an Ex-Officio position in the Sangguniang Barangay Elections. The son of Protacio Brazil, Shirwin Patrick Brazil also holds an ex officio position in the Sangguniang Bayan serving as the SK Federation President. Both Father and Son were chosen by the Barangay Captains and SK Chairs of the municipality in the recent ABC and SK Federation elections. Protacio Brazil did not only aspire as ABC President, while serving as an Ex. Officio Member, during the last two elections he competed with his brothers, Toty and Pros, for the mayoralty position. Unfortunately he was just second in the rank during elections. The Brazil family was able to place two Mayors and one of which served for five terms and another is serving as of the moment. They were able to dominate the ex-officio positions in the Sangguniang Bayan from 1988 up to the present serving as ABC President and SK Federation President. They were able to serve the municipality for 23 years up to the present in different key positions in the Municipality. Presently, the Municipal Mayor, ABC President and SK Federation President belong to their family.

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The Brazils are motivated to run for public office because they want to serve the people and help improve the municipality of San Miguel, Leyte. It is within their blood the capacity to lead and give out help and assistance for the betterment of the municipality. They are given moral and financial support by their family members. Recently, it is by personal choice that they decided to strive for local positions. Decisions are made individually; hence family members do not have the control in decision-making because it is agreed upon independently. In actuality, family consensus was applied before the division amongst their family happened. The partition of the family happened when Protacio Q. Brazil, the youngest brother from their clan decided to opposed the then incumbent Mayor Toty Brazil last 2007 election. The family was put into a chaotic situation and other members of the family were obliged to take sides. From then on, the rivalry among members of the family then occurred. The supporters of their family were then compelled to choose between them. It was not only their family that has been divided but as well as their followers. In terms of party affiliation, the Brazils are originally under the banner of Liberal Party, but because of their unresolved differences, one must give way and seek the support of other political parties. Luckily, former Mayor Toty Brazil found its new home under LAKAS-CMD, now then LAKAS-KAMPI, while Tatas Brazil remained from its own party. The incumbent mayor Pros Brazil is supported by LAKAS-KAMPI. Currently, Pros Brazil have 210 liders and is

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acquiring the support of 10 barangay captains. In return, he sees to it that he is able to give rewards to his wards in return, it can be in kind or through cash. The Brazils are seen to be good people and with wholesome intentions for the municipality, but it have not stopped them from being torn apart. Politics in a way had served them adverse effect that had put their family into disarray.

Table 7. Lapidario Family

NAME JUSTINA LAPIDARIO

POSITION Mun. Councilor

NUMBER OF TERMS 1

YEAR 1960-1964

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1964-1968 ULDARICO A. LAPIDARIO Mayor 4 1968-1972 1972-1980 1980-1986 OSCAR L. LAPIDARIO Vice-Mayor SB Member RICHARD LEN B. LAPIDARIO 1 2 1998-2001 2004-2007 2007-2010 Vice- Mayor Present 2010-Present

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Table 8. Brazil Family

NAME CORNELIO BRAZIL

POSITION Presidente OIC, Municipal Vice-Mayor

NUMBER OF TERMS 1 1 2 3 3 3 _ 3

YEAR 1923-1924 1986-1987 1988-1992 1992-1998 2001-2010 1988-1998 2001-2010 2010-Present 1992-2002 2002-Present

PROTO Q.BRAZIL, JR.

Duly Elected Municipal Vice-Mayor Municipal Mayor Municipal Mayor ABC President (Ex. Officio Member) SB Member Mun. Mayor

PROSPERO Q. BRAZIL

BRYAN NEIL B. BRAZIL PROTACIO Q. BRAZIL SHIRWIN PATRICK BRAZIL

SK President (Ex. Officio Member) ABC President (Ex. Officio Member) SK President (Ex. Officio Member)

2010-Present

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B. Characteristics of the Dominant Political Families

These were the characteristics that they observed with the identified political families. They characterized the family both in terms of attitude and how they perceived them as local politicians. Key informants characterized the Brazil and Lapidario as Makitawo, Mag-upay, Nakaka-bulig, Pulititko.

Makitawo or People-Oriented

Sheila Coronel noted that Elections require the mobilization of people and resources to ensure that votes are cast and counted in a candidate's favor. (PCIJ 2007)

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Furthermore, PCIJ (2007) commented that political machine of a congressional representative includes a network of so-called lider that are found at the barangay level or village, which could be a council member, barangay captain or the punong barangay or an influential person, such as head of a community organization or a successful entrepreneur in the community. In return, the local lider mobilize a network of campaigners for the candidate. Since, election is the process wherein politicians legitimize themselves to hold positions; they need a large number of man power to assist and operate and most especially to vote for them. Thus, a candidate is portrayed to be peopleoriented to be able to grab and recruit more people at his side. Local residents of the municipality find the dominant political families to be makitawo or people-oriented. According to Respondent B (47yrs.old, Brgy. Santol, San Miguel, Leyte), the Brazil family was good in handling their people, as a result they were able to win in any position they wish to run.Maupay hira mag dara hin tawu, maupay gud hira magdara sanglit nadaug gud hira, Key informant B narrated. Another Key informant shares his personal experience with the Lapidario Family, Mag upay iton mga Lapidario, waray ako

masisiring. Maupay it mga Lapidario kay makitawo hiya, kay pulitiko gud, nasudoy hin kada barangay nangiginanu, kay baga ok ako hadto han iya panahon, Anhi Uldarico..

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(Respondent K,49yrs.old, Barangay Pinarigusan, San Miguel, Leyte)

(The Lapidario Family are good, I am speechless. The Lapidario are good because they were people oriented since they were politiicans, Uldarico used to visit each barangay to monitor and observe the situation in the community. For me, his time was good.)

In addition, Key Informant K noted that aside from witnessing the leadership of Mayor Uldarico Lapidaro, he also experience some positive points to his grandson the incumbent Vice-Mayor Richard, he narrated Kay hi vice bisan ngain mo makatapo

makikigistorya ngan dire ka tatalikdan niya, bisan hinu kumadto ira diri gud matalikod ha imo

(Wherever you meet the Vice-Mayor he will talk to you and he wont let you down. Even you visit in their place they will not stare on you)

Thus the key informant concluded that as a politician you have to be people-oriented. As a result, with these personal experiences, they are still

supporting the political aspirations of their bet political families.

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Magupay or Good

Good as defined by Mirriam-Webster Dictionary (2004) as commendable, salutary and a favorable character or tendency. Thus, defining good is subjective. Here are the perceived opinions of the Key-informants why they characterized the identified Political Families as Mag-upay or good. Staying in the municipality since birth, Key informant F justified based in his personal observation that the Lapidario officials were good since he experienced the goodness of their leadership . Kay waray man it hira, baga an tatay ngan apoy maupay na nag Mayor, ngan Vice-Mayor han San Miguel, mag upay man it hira, ok la , Key informant F (53yrs.old, Brgy. Bagacay, San

Miguel, Leyte) stipulated. (The Father and Grandfather were good Mayor and Vice-Mayor of San Miguel). Key informant B explained the goodness of Brazil Family Maupay hira mag-dara hin tawu, maupay gud hira magdara sanglit nadaug gud hira. (They were good in handling their people, as a result of their good handling, they win). Good handling of their people gives an edge for the Brazil family to win in their political race against their opponent. Because of this attitude, their people or

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supporters stays in their side and go for their leadership as noticed by the Key informant. Another side of characterizing the family is good is based on their performance. As reported by Key informant A (42yrs.old, Brgy. Bahay, San Miguel, Leyte), Maupay gad hira na pagkatawo,dire gad ak nasiring maupayupayan,pero bagat nakakabuhat man hin mga project, mayda man nira nahihimo, as he characterized the Brazils. (They were good persons, I am not saying that they were the best but they were able to have projects, they have done something) The Key informant sees goodness not just by the personal attitude of the family but more on the performance and the establishment of visible projects for the community. They were much concern with the good performance that the family can offer and give for the constituents. Respondent C agreed on the point raise by Key informant A about the Brazil family, she stated that Maupay man magdara han bungto, waray man maraut. (Good management of the municipality, nothing wrong) In terms of performance, the record holder as the longest reigning Municipal Mayor of the Municipality is highly applauded by Key informant K. According to him: Maupay adto hi uldarico kay hi atty lapidario hadto na panahon kun mayda project ultimo naabot ha imu an project waray anu anu, yana mamiling kaw hin resolution,

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makuri kun waray nagiinterest hin pag-aro, kaduha kun waray nagdudukduk, kay dukdukay ito pina agi hin pulitika, palakasay, kun malakas ka madali, kun iba na color di gad, makuri matagal tagalan hin maguti, it priority it ira tawo.

(Atty Lapidario was good during his time because the barangay can receive a project even without any resolution being given. Unlike at the present, if no one would show interest to ask for a project and no one will urge since at the present it is being politicized if you belong to the opposite side, it will be hard for you to be acknowledge, but if you were in their side you will be their priority).

On the other hand, the electoral process is one way to choose the fittest for the post. Others perceived that elected officials were good since majority of the electorates voted for them. Respondent J ( 31yrs.old, Brgy. Pinarigusan, San Miguel, Leyte) believe that the two families were good since they were chosen by the constituents to lead the municipality, he explained that an mga Brazil mag-upay, kay namamagdaog balik kay kun dire it mag-upay dire iton mamagdaog. An Lapidaro Amu gihapun, (mag-upay), Kay kun perde dire mag-upay, piniliay man iton. (The Brazils were good because they will not win if they were perceived to be good. Also the Lapidarios, because if they lose it only means that they were not good since it is a process of selecting the best)

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Another Key informant added that maupay man kay an ira tatay continuous an pagminiyor (Good in the sense that their father was a consistent mayor). Judging from the length of time that the member of the family holds the position and the results of the election, they perceived it to be good since they believed that people will not choose local leaders whom they think to have negative values and characteristics. Since the majority chose them and elected them, they reasonably believe that these families good individuals and leaders for their chosen post. However, despite belonging to the same family, each member are not similar from each other. As differentiated by Respondent O (43yrs.old, Brgy. Libtong, San Miguel, Leyte) An Lapidario Ok la adto an ira Lolo kay 22 years adto hya ha serbisyo. Pero an yana nga iya mga apo bagan dire na maupai kay baga hin abusive. (On the Grandfather of Lapidario were okey since he served for 22 years. However at the moment, judging the attitudes of his grandsons, they are somehow not good because there are times that they became abusive). Key informant Q (48yrs.old, Brgy. Lukay, San Miguel, Leyte) informed that: durodako an bintaha han lolo, maaram ka iton sumuronod danay gud ito may nakakalikat, waray gud perpekto, nga iton lolo ngan hiton mga apo o mga anak, dire gud paprehas,mauda gud pagkakaiba.

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(The grandfather has an edge over his successors, sometimes the successors are alienated, there is no perfect tandem wherein from the Grandfather up to the grandchildren or children do the same things, there are variations)

He further added, maupay an lolo ngan yana liwat an apo amo liwat iton nakakasunod ha iya. (The best was the Grandfather and the grandson follows his tract) Despite the declined in performance of the oldest up to the younger generation, the key informant still sees a reincarnation of the positive things done by their ancestors in serving the community. On the part of the Brazil family a Key informant commented that ha mga Brazil, dire man paprehas mag upay it mga Brazil sabagay dire kita nakakasigurado na paprihas,kay pirmi man hira nag-aaragway, hira hira manla, kun adto ka luyo kokontrahun ka ha kaluyo, kun adi ka luyo, kokontrahun ka ha luyo, dire hira parehos kay nagaaraway, An ira pamamalakad han bungto saktohay la (On the side of the Brazil, not all of them have good traits, I am not definitely sure if the Brazils are all the same since they are always fighting, they are the ones opposing each other, and they are the ones that compete for the same position. If you belong to the opposition you will be objected by the other side,

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they are not the same since they were always at war. I rated their administration as average) Thus, electorates judge these families to be good based on their attitude, the way they deal with people and how they manage the municipality. However, some local folks judge them negatively because of the not so good attitude by other members of the family. The extremities between family members can affect the assessment of the people. The respondents pointed out that despite the well rounded performance of the previous family members, their good image are being distorted because of the undesirable acts of their younger kin. Others were disappointed despite the good performance being exerted by the Political Families because of their rivalries. As a result, all those good acts are being pulled down and tainted by the wrong observations of the public because of the strong rivalry and disunity within their family.

Nakakabulig or Helpful

Key informant I (58yrs.old, Brgy. San Andres, San Miguel, Leyte) noted the Brazil family to be helpful. She quoted nakabulig bulig ito hira, dida kami ha ira parupangutang, nangungutang kami it ha ira. (They help us, we borrow money from them)

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According to her, they usually borrow money from the Brazil family in cases that they lack financial amount for their daily sustenance and in times of emergency. However, this amount borrowed from the Brazil family was being paid with interest by the borrower when they already have money to pay their debt.

Mahilig ha Pulitika or Politician

With the length of time that their family hold positions in the municipality, the people already noted them to be mahilig ha pulitika or politician. According to Key informant G the Brazil family swaps positions within their family members. An Brazil, bisan it Mayor nagbabalyu la hira, it yana it manghod, It akon pagkita ha ira mga gamhanan ba ha pulitika Key informant G (38yrs.old, Brgy. Pinarigusan, San Miguel, Leyte) narrated. (The Brazil, the Mayoralty position where been swap within their family members. I perceived them to be greedy in the realm of politics) The change of leadership was not visible to other blood. The constituents believe that this act can be considered to be a selfish move wherein the politics were only manipulated, enjoyed and controlled by few.

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Another respondent noted that the Brazil family were political oriented, he narrated that Ok manla..mga political oriented lugod hera. (Theyre fine, they were the one who are political oriented) Judging from the faces and names that compete for the positions in the municipality as well as the number of the members that holds other positions, electorates observes that these families were much oriented in the realm of politics. Concretely judge by the key informant, seeing that same member of the family (brothers) acting as close rivals for the mayoralty post is a big query and astonishment among the local residents on how to judge their family. They believe that they are arguing and competing with each other to rule the said position. Thus, it resulted to disunity and factionalism in the name of politics. This resulted for the people to judge them as highly politically oriented family.

C. Staying Power

To sustain ones success in the arena of politics, numerous factors can be taken into consideration. Hon. Prospero Q. Brazil, incumbent Mayor of Municipality of San Miguel noted several factors that make their family successful in the realm of politics. According to Mayor Brazil, money, resources, party affiliation and wards were the significant reasons why they were successful in holding public offices.

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Key informants also see similar factors why the Brazil family was able to continually hold positions for the long period of time up to the moment. First is Money. Respondent R (32yrs.ol, Brgy. Malaguinabot, San Miguel, Leyte) explains that kay tungod geap hit kwarta!. Kay kun diri hera ma dispose hin kwarta dire ito hera madaog. Kwarta! damo, man it ira kwarta ngan powerful man hera (It is because of money. If they will not dispose money then they will not win in the election. They have lot of money and they were also powerful) On the part of the Lapidario, Key informant F also noticed the money factor why the Lapidario lasted for so long, Amu iton kay may kwarta, nakakagcontinue pag may pinili-ay hit pangkandidatuhan kay may kwarta, kay kwartahan man it hira, may mga tuna, perme it hira makuan ha pulitika dire it hira kukulangan. (Because they have money, they were able to continue their candidacy whenever there is election because of their money. They are rich and have lands thats why they always participate in politics they will not experience shortage) Money plays a big role in politics. It is one of the factors that can assist the politician to win his/her candidacy. Financial edge among other candidate gives you the possibility of winning. Hence, political families used their money as a mode in gaining the support of the people whether it is in kind, or in the form of debt.

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It is not a new issue that vote buying is rampant all over the country during election. It is said that once you engage into politics, you should have the money and resources in order to win. At this recent time, money is what makes politics on going. Politicians are judged based on how much they can give rather than on what they can do to the community. Financial capability of a political family is highly regarded to be able to acquire more votes and active supporters and win over their opponents. As told by Key informant J May kwarta man nira, mga riko man hira, ngan damu it ira mga tawo ngan batos. (They have money, they are rich and they have lots of people and wards) Another factor is the available resources, Key informant A shared that para ha akon damu man it ira mga auto, tikang ngadi sta cruz ,mayda ba kapas gud, mayda gud kwarta nira. Amu iton axa nagdaog hira kay ira negosyo na auto. Haros hira na mga magburugto haros mayda mga auto. (In my opinion, they have a lot of automobile from Sta Cruz to Tacloban. They were the one who have the gall to run since they were rich. Thats why they won because of their Public Utility Vichecles. Almost all of their siblings have Public Utility Vehicle) He also added that Ngadi seaside man an mga tawo tas ngadi ha proper, Tapus makikisangkayon man ha mga tawo, amu iton nadaog gud hira. Labot la hit ira impluwensya hit ira ka autohan, mga negosyo, amu iton nakakakuan ha ira napadaog (People from the sea side used to visit the town proper. Also, they

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were friendly that is why they always won. Aside from their influence of their Public Utility Vehicles, their businesses also able them to win) Thus, the presence of their Public Utility Vehicles (Jeepney) of Brazil Family gives them additional source of fund to finance their candidacy. In fact in the municipality, they are the one that owned the largest number of PUJ that travels from San Miguel to Tacloban. Sheila S. Coronel of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (2007) related that, The most successful families are those able to establish business empires not solely dependent on government largesse. They must also be competent enough to run these businesses well, allowing their members to survive electoral defeat and political ignominy. Key informant C (51yrs.old, Brgy.San Andres, San Miguel, Leyte) sees other factors that made the identified political families to be successful Bangin sugad iton nahiara kay maupay man hira magdara han bungto, ha tawo, kun meada nadaop nakakabulig, axa iton nag-iha siguro hira hiton na butang. Maupay magpalakat, pagpaupay han bungto, Natural man iton hit tawo it guin kikita it performance it pagdara. (Maybe people were used to vote for them because they were able manage the municipality, constituents well. If someone would ask for their assistance they can provide, that is why they were able to last for so long in politics. It is natural for the people to look for their performance)

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Key informant U (62yrs.old, Brgy. San Andres, San Miguel, Leyte) added Maupay man magserbisyo han bungto.Sanglit naiiha hira. Maupay it ira performance. (They serve well in the municipality. That is why they lasted. They have a good performance) Another key informant suggested that the success of the Lapidario is due to their active and honest service for the municipality. In addition, they rendered a good management, good track record and gives no burden to the people. Dara siguro hit ira ka aktibo ngan ka honest nira ba magtrabaho,Maupay hira magpalakat, maupay it ira mga record, waray hira poblema. , Key informant H (41yrs.ol, Brgy. Pinarigusan, San Miguel, Leyte) narrated. The said information of the respondents can be attested by the Vice Mayor himself, he stated: though we are not perfect we always strive to perform the best way we can as dedicated public servants. The eagerness to render a good performance for the public is viable in their family. They truly believe that through their service they are able to help in improving the municipality. They know that public service takes a lot of time and sacrifices, especially the time you spend with your family and the rumors that can affect your status in the community, but in spite these things, theLapidario Family considers that they have done what is best for the majority of the people while they were in office. On the other hand, Vice mayor Chad assured that at the end of his political career, no one from his family might run for any position because he thinks that

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its about time to give others the chance to serve the municipality. Their family had served enough and through that, the constituents will remember their legacy. Kay buotan ngan maupay mag dumara hit mgatawo Key informant T (39yrs.old, Brgy. Guinciaman, San Miguel, leyte) Key informant T analyzes on the success of the Brazil family are due to their good attitude and how they lead their people. Aside from the Brazil, other resident have similar reasons for the Lapidario family on why they can still capture the hearts of the San Miguelnon. According to key informant N, maupay man hira magdumara. (They were good administrators) Key informant B further suggested Bangin siguro maupay hira magdumara han mga tawo,axa nag-iiha hira.(Perhaps they manage the people well thats why they lasted) On the personal note of key informant M (43yrs.old, Brgy. Palayan, San Miguel, Leyte), he thinks that kay nakita man it tawo hin maupai na material..mag-urusa ngani it mga Brazil ngan Lapidario, makuri it hera mapirde. (People seen a good material, once the Brazil and Lapidario formed an alliance it will be difficult to defeat them) With the presence of the two families forming an alliance in the local politics of the municipality as present dominant political figures, it will be hard for anyone to defeat them.

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Another factor to be considered by key informant G is the love of the people for the political families. The key informant stated that Siguro, gugma iton hit tawo, kun dire gugma hit tawo dire hira madaog, naaun gud it tawo ha ira. (Maybe, because of love of the people, if people dont love them, they will not win, people admires them) Aside from love, key informant O added that Kay naruruyag pa it mga tawo, kay dire it madaog kun dire naruruyag pa it mga tawo. Kay damu iton hit ira mga tawo. (People still wants them, they will not won if people dont want them anymore. They have a lot of people) With the love and loyalty of the people, the two political families were made to be the rulers up to the present. Since they were still being supported by the local folk at the present it only indicates that they are still admired and people wants them to rule over them. In addition to the number of people, their loyalty and love is the key factor to make them last in the realm of politics.

D. Defeat

Despite their success in dominating the municipal positions, defeat was inevitable in their family. The two identified political families experienced defeat in their race to hold an elected position. Various factors were considered by the family for their misfortune in their campaign.

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For the Brazil family, eventhough Mayor Toty Brazil incurred his two consecutive terms, his luck for the third term was unclear. His Brother, Prospero Brazil pointed out that his brother was defeated Atty. Eulogio L. Laboga because of lack of supporters. He also reasoned out that incumbent Congressman Alfred Romualdez gives much support to his opponent. As a result, he was unlucky enough to gain his third and last consecutive term as Mayor. After his defeat, he tries to reinstate his self on his previous position. Luckily he was competent enough to graduate with three consecutive terms from 2001-2010 as Municipal Mayor. Since he was prohibited by the law to hold another term in same position, he takes his chance for the position as one of the Provincial Board Members for the first district of Leyte. Because of unpopularity in the district and lack of sufficient supporters for his campaign, he was defeated by Mayor Roque Tui of Tanuan and incumbent Board Member Malou Go-Soco. Aside from Toty, his brother Tatas also experienced defeat. In 2007 elections, he challenged his brother Toty, the incumbent Mayor, in the Mayoralty position. Because of lack of supporters and the division of supporters of Brazil family, he was defeated by his brother. His dream to be the municipal Mayor did not ended after his defeat with his brother. Tatas once again challenge another brother, Pros, whom his brother Toty was supporting. Tatas is the bet of the Liberal Party while his brother Pros represented the LakasKampi Party. For the second time he was defeated with same reason of having lack of supporters.

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In the case of Lapidario, Vice Mayor Richard Lapidario confessed that:

My father was defeated in his re-election bid in 2001. I first run as mayor in 1995 against then incumbent Toty Brazil and Ex mayor Laboga

In the 1995 elections, Richard Lapidario was defeated by the incumbent Mayor Toty Brazil and another aspirant Eugolio Laboga. While his father, Oscar Lapidario was defeated for his bid for second term as Municipal Vice Mayor to Almar Balais in 2001. Hon. Lapidario reasoned out his misfortune due to:
My suffered defeat because of tactical miscalculation. I was defeated because my age was less acceptable to the people during that time (24yrs.old)

Competing with much older aspirants for a higher and very influential position in the municipality was a disadvantage for Richard Lapidario. Although his grandfather served as Municipal Mayor for so long, the voters seen that the youngest candidate at the age of 24 was not competent to run the municipality as the Municipal Mayor. Because of his misconception that people would prefer a young and youthful Mayor he was then left behind in his bid for the race. Lack of supporters, unpopularity and inexperienced for the position was the observed factors for the defeat of their candidates.

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D. Resurgence Despite that Toty was defeated on his third term as Mayor in 1998 elections. It did not end his hope to complete a successive term. In the 2001 elections, after years of waiting, he challenge the incumbent Mayor Laboga for the same position. Earning the support of the Romualdezes, which in 1998 were not visible in his campaign, and earning more solid supporters against Laboga, he was able to regain his position. From 2001 election, his bid for 2004 elections was meritorious enough to earn his success from his opponents. But in 2007, his brother was his main contender. However, he was not threatened and he still earned a sufficient number of supporters under their wing to fully complete his final consecutive term. Now, he is enjoying his private life together with his wife away from any political responsibilities in the society as told by Prosepero Brazil. When Oscar Lapidario was defeated, he went back to farming. Up to the present his father is engaging into Farming because their familys livelihood primarily comes from agricultural land. As explained by Richard Lapidario. In 2004, Richard Lapidario was older enough to hold less high position in the Municipality. He runs for the position as SB Member for he believes that he fit in this post. After 3 years, he was successful once again to bid for his second term. After enjoying his two terms as Sangguniang Bayan Member, he decided to run for Vice Mayor and lucky enough to win over a small margin of votes.

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The resurgence of these families in the realm of politics is accountable to the party affiliation they have chosen and to the undying belief of their supporters that they are capable of running the municipality with good intentions.

E. Views of the Public

Presence of Political Dynasty

Numerous comments and opinions rise about the presence and existence of political dynasty in the municipality. Key informants believe that political dynasty exists in terms of defining political dynasty as families or clan that ruled the municipality for the long period of time. Key Informants suggested that on some instances political dynasty could be beneficial and sometimes can be terrible for the municipality. Key informant H stated that political dynasty in the municipality delivers positive points and sometimes negative. Accordingly Nakakaupay ngan nakakaraut gihapun. Sugad hiton, parte gihapun it pulitika mahugaw,karuyag mo maguyagay hin maupay hin natural la, adi salaktan man hin sugad hiton kinwartahay, cge nala kwarta nla, karawat liwat. Mahugaw!Maupay gad gihapun kun meada politician mayda kaw madadaupan, kun may poblema ka.

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(It can be good and somehow it is bad for the municipality. Like, when money is used in politics, you want to play natural and fair. However money is being used the tendency is to accept the offered amount. Dirty! On the other hand, it is good because there are some politicians that you can rely on in times of problems) Another key informant also shares similar sentiments. Key informant E believes that the effects of political dynasty depend on the intention and purpose of the political families on ruling for so long. She argued that there are some intentions to abuse their powers to practice corruption since they can earn big from government projects. On the other hand, she pointed out that there are some that ruled for so many years without any vested interest but to provide genuine service for their constituents. In her opinion, the two identified political families, they lasted for many years and continue to hold positions as of the present because they want to serve and help the people without any personal interest being up hold. Key informant E (46yrs.old, Brgy. Santol, San Miguel, Leyte) explained that:
depende iton, mayda man gud talaga nag-iiha kay dako it ira income hit mga projects amu gud it tawo, pero mayda liwat naghihimu hira kay gusto gud talaga nira magserbe hin maiha, mayda man gud liwat na mga tawo na mga korakot.It tawo nagkokorakot amu gud axa nag-iiha para mangurakot. Pero an mga Brazil, I doubt na dire suga, it ira pag-iha para pagserbi hit mga tawo. An Lapaidario, hadto waray paman ako hadto boot, pero as far as I can remember maupay man adto hira, barkada

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nani adto an akon tatay , pag mayda nangangaro hin bulig baga instant man nagkakada bulig. Nabaton ba hit imu pangangaru hin bulig

(It depends; there are politicians that lasted because they earn much in the government projects. The corrupt ones lasted for many years because they want to practice corruption for so long. But there are some that resorted to dynasty because they want to serve for long term. However, on the case of Brazil family, I doubt that they were corrupt; they lasted because they want to serve the people. The Lapidario, those times Im not yet matured. As far as I can remember during those times they were good, they were friends with my father, whenever someone ask for help, instantly they provide assistance. They shoulder your needs)

Key informant A also agreed that political dynasty sometimes can be good or bad for the municipality; she added Mayda naka upay, meada nakaraut. Nakaupay kay meada guin hahatag na project kan Mayor na maupay, Meada liwat di nakakaupay labi na hiton yana guin aangalan hit mga nagtitinda , na angal daun, hi Mayor pagud dayun it ira nababagsakan iton parte hit pan lisensya, heton na mga permit, na angal iton hira kan Mayor pagkayana. Siring man namun, kay di gad it tikang kan Mayor,kay sugad yana it tindahan kunu dagko it sukot,siring ko amu gadla it gihapun, pitsihado na kunu yana kay daw kunu hi Pros kunu na it nakapot, pero dire ak maram. (Both give advantage and disadvantage. Advantage because there were good projects given by the Municipal Mayor. Disadvantage on the other hand since according to the small store owners the present administration is much strict

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compared to the previous administrations since at the moment Pros is in the position. They were mad with the implementation of business permit to the small store owners. They always blame the Municipal Mayor; we told them that the decision did not come from the municipal mayor) With the active support and observed projects received from the officials, key informant believes that political dynasty was good for the municipality. However, despite their presence can be considered good for the community on some grounds political dynasty was negative for the municipality. They pointed out since they need to win the election, these politicians utilizes money in order to attain their aspired position and to continue their ruling. Also, some members gives a different kind of leadership, some are strict others are not. Other key informants were convinced that political dynasty is not good for the municipality. Key informant A stipulated that :
Hiton pagiging pulitikiro hin duru nakakakuan, pamati ko dire maupay it epekto hiton para hit bungto , heton aton bungto nagiging kuan kita hit pulitika, baga waray free will hit mga mulopyo, hit pagpili gud, nakagapus it mga mulopyo, bisan ini mismo na panhatag hin hinabang naapihan na hit mga pulitikiro, so baga waray upay it politika, Nakukuan na it aton bungto hit mga politikiro, kinakaptan hit mga politikiro hit desisyon hit mga tawo han bungto , kay baga waray na pagpipilian it mga tawo. Ada naman, cge nala.

(Too much politics is not good for the municipality, our municipality now is inclined in politics, it seems that the free will of the people is absent, since during election, the voters are being

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mandated whom to vote. Our municipality is being ruled by politicians in all aspect of politics)

Key informant F further added that Karuyag ko ma stop it na systema , it mangibabaw it karuyag hit tawo. It usa gud na bungto dapat it ungara hit mga tawo it manaig dire hit ungara hiton pipira la ngada na mga pulitikiro. Amu it akon karuyag. (I want the system to end. The free well of the people must prevail! In one municipality, they free well of the people not by few politicians has to prevail. Thats I want!) Key Informant F.

Key informant R also agreed that political dynasty is not good for the municipality. He tries to convince that it is not for the municipality to see that

almost all of the members of the family hold municipal positions. He also pointed out that they have to give chance to other aspirants who are much deserving for the position. Nakakaraot, kay dire gad maupay pagkita-kitaon na ada na harus tim bug-os na pamilya nakadara hin posisyon..Tagi man hin iba na higayon it tawo na mas deserving hito dida na posisyon Key informant R. (It is not good for the municipality to see that almost all of your members of your family hold position. Give chance to others who are much deserving for that particular position) Key informant R

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Furthermore key informant X (61yrs.old, Brgy. Malaguinabot, San Miguel, Leyte) thinks that :
kun pursigihon ngani ito nga amo la geap ito na ira paagi pamati ko dri gud maimprove ina na bungto, bis la ngani yana waray kami mga ku-an projects, kinahanglan mahatag gud hin kuana! Aside hit ira kabutangan, hera la personal na magburugto iton nag iinaragway. Inin kon baga may selfishness ito na ada hit ira kabutanagn ngan ira pamilya, halot hera humatag hit iba na tawo hin chance, karuyag la nira na hira la gihapon it magkikinapot! Kay kun baga kuan mayda naman it hera mga kwarta, kay ano ada la gihap hera ha politika. Meaning may ada gud butang hit politika nga karuyag gud nira dire bubuhian, which I do not know!.

(If they still insist, I think our municipality will not improve. Just like now we havent done any projects, we need to have a project! Aside from their situation, within their own family they have political conflicts. It seems in that case selfishness exists in their family, they are greedy to give other people a chance to serve! They want that they monopolize all the posts. Come to think of it that they were already rich then why they are still active in politics. It only means that there is something in politics that they wont give up, which I do not know!)

She also projects that 10 yrs from now, bangin guti-ay la it progreso o kaya bangin liwat mangada hin dire maupay kay kun sugad hito magkakasaramok na, dri na maupay it mananabo, syahan pala na butang kun makikig-inagaw ka hin usa nga bahin, waray ka gud hingangadtuan kutob nala ito dida, may opportunidad ka hito mintras ikaw it aada, hehemuon nim it im karuyag kun baga may ada hto iba na makapot dida bangin dire ako

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magbinunyog haira, kay kun baga naaprobaran naman ito na pamilya kun dri kita mamiling hn iba. Key informant X. (10 years from now, maybe the municipality will experience little progress or experience the worse if that conflict becomes worse. At the very start, if you will insist to grab something, you will not progress; you have the opportunity while you were in the position. You will do what you want to do. If there will be other people that will be in position, maybe I will not join them anymore since their family were already been tested) In addition, Key informant R further added her objection on political dynasty because of inequality of providing services, dire! kay it gin-papakaupay dire bug-os na San Miguel mayda la hira barangay na gin tatagan hin importansya..Unta pantay pantay kay mayor naman hiya! Gintatagan gad hin panahon it iba na barangay liwat (No! Because they only give priority on some selected barangays not the whole municipality! Since he is already the Mayor, he must be equal, he has to give his attention to other barangays!) Key informant R. The delivery of public services was not equally distributed to the concerned barangays. For convenience, the key informant believes the only way to give other barangays a chance to receive development; there must be a new leadership to run the municipality. Political dynasty must be break in order to reform the system of inequality.

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Key informant Y (42yrs.old, Brgy. Bagacay, San Miguel, Leyte) told with confidence that para ha akon, baga dire nakaka-upay kay kaurugan nga abusado it mga tawo, labi na kon hira it nagdudumara han bungto (For me, it is not good because most of them were abusive especially when they were the one in the position) Key informant Y. Being in the position, power is being abused by political leaders. For the informants, they believe that political families were not utilizing this power to cater the needs of the constituents but to serve as a means to exploit powerless individuals. In simple terms, key informant L understands that political dynasty is not good for the municipality. She agreed that political dynasty only means that only one family monopolizes the municipality. The key informant believes that their actions seem that they are just making some negotiations. Para ha akon pag-intindi dire gad maupay Sali usa nala kapamilya an nakapot hin bungto. Dire man maupay na hira la na magburugto. Bagan nagsusurusabot nala it hira. Key informant F. (As far as I understand, it is not good. It only means that only one family monopolizes the municipality. Its not good if it always came in their family. It seems that they have some negotiations.) Other key informants believe that political dynasty is not good for the municipality. They noticed that the free will of the people is not recognized since

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the decisions were already made by the few politicians that dominate the local politics. They were crying that the free will of the people must prevail in the municipality. New leadership must rule which does not came from their families. Thus, if they still insist to continue their dynasty, people concluded that there is vested interest that is why they still want to hold positions. Selfishness is considered by the key informants since within the same family they compete for same political positions and they dont allow new leader to run the municipality. However, others were much positive about the leadership of the identified political families. They still consider their leadership despite they already ruled for so long.

Voting for the New Competitor Various opinions, comments and views were given by the key informants about the existence of political dynasty in their locality. Some of the informants believe that political dynasty was good for the municipality since the political families provides satisfaction by giving projects and services for the people. Others pointed out that the presence of political dynasty is neither good nor bad for the municipality. While the rest were confident enough to tell that political dynasty is not right and bad for the municipality. With these the researchers decided to solicit their opinions if they will vote for new aspirants that will challenge the candidacy of any member of the identified dominant political families.

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Some key informants were still uncertain if they will choose the new challenger or they still go for the incumbent. Since, election was just freshly held in the local sector, then it still early for them to judge and decide if they would go for a new aspirant. With the experience trend in politics, they believe that the decision of the people will still change and challenger still unidentified so better not to decide at the moment. Key informant C confessed that:
Ambot.dire ako pakakasiguro! Baga dire pa ako makakasiguro pa. Kay it panahon nagbarubalyu pa, dire kita nakakasiguro ba! Inin hit pulitika, nagbalyu balyu it isip hit tawo. Kay sugad hiton dire ko pa man kilala it mabanga ha ira. Kikitaun ko anay it personalidad hit mabanga.

(Im not yet certain! As of now Im not yet sure about it. Time is changing, we are not yet sure! In politics, minds of the people are always changing. Like now we are not yet sure who will be the challenger, I will still judge the personality of the challenger)

Other key informants also share the same sympathy that they will still judge the contender. Despite some of the informants wants to have new political leaders to rule over them, they will not easily give their support to this brave challenger. The Informants wants to be sure and certain that the challenger is competent and much deserving for the title. Key informant D (47yrs.old, Brgy. Bagacay, San Miguel, Leyte) explains that Depende, hit iya kalaban. Waray rason kun dire ako bumutos kun maupay man it nakakalaban. (It depends on who will be the challenger. I dont have any excuse why I will not vote if the

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challenger is good). Furthermore, Key informant E added that Depende gud kun kilala ko it na tawo! Bangin kun hi kuan la it malaban, maupay kun hi Chekay it malaban. Depende kun hira hinu it malaban, kun mas maruupay, aadto kita! (It depends if I know the person. It might just anyone, better if Chikay will dare. It always depends on who are the contenders, if they are better, we go for them!). Another key informant also admitted, that Kikitaun anay, kun maupay it iya baga panuyo., Key informant J. (I will still observe if the challenger has good intentions). Despite of their uncertainty, they still want to determine who will contend to the incumbent political families. If the contenders were competent, having good intentions and better compared to the present leaders, there are no reasons why they will not choose them. Other informant is also undecided, but he considers his uncertainty on what positions that his bet will decide to run. He makes some options if based on the moves done by any member of the dominant political family whom he had supported (Brazil and Lapidario). He will still vote for the two of them, provided they will not challenge each other in the same position. But, encase that the two families will now be rivals in same position; the informant has no choice but to choose the best candidate between the two contending candidates coming from the identified dominant political families. Key informant K admitted that:
Depende,halimbawa kun it akon guin uugupan maginterest la gihapun, anu pag dire ko ira. Pero!Kkun mag-iba hira hinposesyon, possible liwat ako mag botos ha ira na duha. Sugad Mayor ngan Vice Mayor, adto ako ha ira na duha, kun maguusa hira, dire ako makakabutos it usa!

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(Depends, for example if the one im supporting will still run, why I will not vote for him. But! If they will run for different position, there is a possibility that I will vote the two of them. For example, for Mayor and Vice Mayor, I will be with the two. But, if they will run in the same position, I will only choose one!)

Respondent H also explains that it will depend on who will be the challenger that his community will decide to vote for. He articulated Amu man gud permi it akon, hi vice! Depende siguro kay it kuan dinhe ha amun, kun hinu it maupay na kandidato, adto kami, dire gud ako masiring na loyalist gud ako hiton, depende, kun maupay liwat iton nakandidato, adto liwat ako. (I always vote for vice (Chad)! It depends; we have a practice in our barangay that we choose the best candidate. I am not saying that I am loyalist with that, it depends, if the candidate is good, then I will also choose that candidate). While other key informants were undecided, others were already fixed that they now want to have elected officials who does not come from any of the dominant political families. For them, it doesnt anymore matter if who will oppose them. They were much concern that there is a need to change leadership in the municipality. Informant S (52yrs.old, Brgy. Malaguinabot, San Miguel, Leyte) boldly conceded that para ha akon pwede man magliwan, kay kun dire maupai pwd man liwat hera ibalik. (For me its time to replace, if the replacement is not better, then we can bring them back). Also, key informant R wants to try the

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challenger, he narrated adto na hit kaluyo kay titistingan kun mauru- upay hera. ( Ill go for the opponent to try if they were better). However, key informant I confessed that she will join the opponent side once she does not like them anymore. Kun dire na ako umayon ha ira mabulig ako hit kaluyo, mag anu man kita kun dire na karuyag (If I dont like them anymore, I will join the opponent side, what I can do if I dont like them anymore) Key informant T frankly stated that it will always depend on whom can help them. For him, its not their concern weather the candidate is new and traditional. But what matters most is that what the candidate can do to their family. Key informant T explains that:
dependi kun hin o an nakabulig ha amon, adto kami, dire porket may bag-o axa tim buligan, dire sugad hit, Dapat kun hn o an bumulig gud haim adto ka masuporta bisan pa ito dumaraog or dire.. (it depends, we are for who can help on us, its not necessary that you will vote for him because he is new, its not supposed to be! It must be the one that help you, the one you will vote for, no matter he or she is a strong one or a looser one)

With the feeling that they dont like anymore the monopoly of dominant political families in the municipality, they now preferred to have new leaders that will run the municipality. With these, they will try new officials that will manage the community. If they see the replacement performs better compared to the previous administrations of political families, they may support the new contender. However, if the replacement is not competent compared to those in the

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dominant political families, they will bring back to the post these dominant political families. But some justified that they will vote for the one who can help them not because they are new. The rest of the Key informants were loyal and devoted with these political families. No matter who will be their contender, they will not leave their candidates. As pointed out by Respondent B:
Dire! Kay habang hiya aada hiya, ada la gihap kami an amun suporta kan mayor. Kay dako gud na utang nabuot namun ha ira labi na it na tuna. Bisan hinu gud it bumanga dire gud kami mabalhin,bahala, maperde hiya o magdaog basta ada la gihap kami ha iya dire kami mabalhin!

(No! For as long as he is still in the position, we will still support tha Mayor. We have a debt of gratitude on them because of that land. We will not leave them no matter who will challenge them, win or loss are solid support is with him!)

Because the key informant works as a tenant of one of the identified political families she has no valid excuse to not support the owner of the land. The informant will not leave his master for as long he wants to run and hold for any public office. Win or loss and no matter who will be his contender they will continue to support his candidacy and administration for as long they will allow them to cultivate in their land.

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Key informant G also shares same thought with informant B. According to him Ada la gihapun, ha una na bahin, harani ha amun barrio, madali daupan, makakabulig kun mayda problema, (We stay, first reason they were near with our barrio, we can reach them easily to ask for help in times of problems). Also key informants N still want to support them because they can help. Key Informant N (53yrs.old, Brgy. Guinciaman, San Miguel, Leyte) admitted that mabutos gadla gihapon ako ha mga Lapidario kay amo gud an nakabulig ha akon. (I will still vote for the Lapidario because they were the one that help me). Because of convenience that the political families give on them, they cannot support other candidate that opposes their candidacy. For as long that gratitude and advantage existed in their hearts and minds, they cannot afford to neglect the efforts done by these dominant political families. But the rest of the key informants already labeled themselves as loyalist with the leadership of these political families. Respondent V (37yrs.old, Brgy. Santol, San Miguel, Leyte) admitted his loyalty Adi ako hit Brazil mabutos, loyalist kay maupay man magserbisyo (I will vote for the Brazil, I am their loyalist because they were good servants). Also informant W (39yrs.old, Brgy. Santol, San Miguel, Leyte) conceded that he is one of the loyalist of the Lapidario Dire kaya, ada na ako ha ira, kun kan vice ada ak ha iya, loyal ako ha iya. (No, because im already with them, Im loyal with Vice-Mayor) Despite informant L (51yrs.old, Brgy. Palayan, san Miguel, Leyte) considers that its already time to have new administration but still he will still vote and actively support the Brazil family, accordingly Para ha akon bisan ako

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magyakan na pwede magbag-o ada la geap ako hit mga brazil. (For me even thou say that its fine to change but still I will stay with the Brazil) Key informant M uttered that Lapidario la gihap..it tood, ine na barangay ira gud ine kay it tawo na suporta gud haira kay damo nganhi it ira mga saop..salit it mga tawo dinhi,loyal gud ha iya.. (Still its Lapidario, honestly, people in these barangay were their active supporters because they were tenant thats why they were loyal) Despite of the fact that most of the respondents are against the emergence of political dynasty in the municipality, hence they still prefer to choose the said families rather than new competitors because they knew the capacity and ability of the families in managing the town.

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CHAPTER FIVE A. SUMMARY The study focuses on the presence of political dynasty in San Miguel, Leyte from 1987 since the prohibition of Political Dynasty indicated in the crafting of 1987 Constitution. The study sought to identify political families that falls on the definition of political dynasty that there is succession in the family in holding prominent political roles in the community and families and relatives that occupy public offices.

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The study utilized self-administered interview schedule for the data gathering process. Separate interview questionnaires were given to the Political families and Key Informants. The result revealed that based on the available records, the Lapidario and Brazil family dominated the politics in San Miguel, Leyte in terms of numbers and length of time that the family member holds position. Respondents characterize these families to be Makitawo (People oriented), Mag-upay (Good), Nakakabulig (Helpful) and Pulitiko (Politicians). For political families they believe that they were successful in serving the municipality for long because of their good performance and service rendered to their constituents and love of the people. The Key informants also believes that these families has sufficient resources such money, land, vehicles and machines such as people and wards they were able to continue their own legacy. In addition, party affiliation and family support were considered by the candidates as a factor for their victory.

Despite that they hold several positions, both families experienced defeat due to lack of sufficient support for the people and party, as well popularity. Also, the age was also a factor for their misfortune in aspiring for higher position.

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However, even though they were defeated most of them tried their lack in the next elections and earned a sufficient support and experience to be able to return to power. Some key informants believe that political dynasty can be good and sometime bad for the municipality. However some of them were vocal that political dynasty is not good for the municipality and some appreciate the presence of dominant political families. In terms of supporting possible challengers for the dominant families some key informants were undecided to support the contender since they were not yet certain of who will challenge and their personal backgrounds. However, some were decided to try new leadership and reinstate these families once their contenders were incompetent in the position. But some were devoted loyalist to vote for their admired political families for they see that they deserved and they were useful to them.

B. Conclusions Under which are the results of the study: 1. The Lapidario and Brazil family were the identified political families that can be considered to incur political dynasty.

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2. These families were characterized by the key informants as makitawo (people oriented), mag-upay (good), nakakabulig (helpdful) ,pulitiko (politicians). 3. Good attitude, Good service and performance, money, resources, love of the people were considered by the informants as factors for their success. In addition, support from the family, party affiliation and good track records were recognized by the political families to be a additional factors why they were in power. 4. Political families also experience defeat due to age, lack of sufficient supporters and party support. 5. Some members of the political families been defeated run after they defeated in the subsequent election. Some regretted to run and enjoys their private life. 6. Key informants sees that political dynasty were not good for the municipality since the decisions were monopolized by the few. Others still admire their long term leadership of the dominant political families because they were useful to them and give progress to the municipality. However some were neutral to view political dynasty that it was good at some point and on the other hand bad for the municipality.

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C. Recommendation Having taken the repercussions of the results of the study, appropriate actions and policies listed below are thereby recommended: 1. To define political dynasties with corresponding time in order to determine political clans and families that qualifies in building political dynasty. 2. To strengthen the law on prohibition of political dynasty to practice fair and equal chances of holding public positions. 3. To limit the succession among families in same position up to the second degree to limit their control and monopoly in the government. 4. The campaign expenses of the candidates have to be shouldered by the government in order other candidates who have not sufficient resources able to compete those well funded candidates. 5. Genuine citizens participation is recommended to eliminate political dynasty and equal opportunity in holding public position be realized. 6. Future conduct of the study is highly recommended by the researchers to be more informative about the subject matter.