Political dynasties did not completely surface not until the post World War II. Most Filipino leaders then after the war were completely driven by reconstruction efforts and the Philippine economy is just enjoying its highest value in the

Far East. War tempered and full of vision, this post World War II leaders gave a sense of vision to Filipinos both the rich and the poor. It was to be going on to great progress, but the wilderness period of 40 years for the Philippines came with the unwillingness of Marcos to resign and change leadership.

What turned around next was the darkest political history of the Philippines with the bloodshed that Marcos has caused to countless Filipino families. By his example, most of the present Filipino leaders have inherited this tactic in political maneuvering. Politics was not an office to serve anymore but rather like a career to go through one’s whole life.

Corruption and release of death

Marcos probably released greater destruction than the good he has bequeathed the Filipinos. The value of life cannot be numbered though all the large infrastructures he had done was good, and I have no question to that since our

Elementary and High School buildings were done him. The large divisions in the Filipino society today such as the MNLF and MILF and the large NPA factions can be traced back to his period. His political schemes and suppressions have probably released these elements of society today.

Our cause for today is not to play the blame game; rather, we all need soul searching and the unity that we need to stand as one nation under God, indivisible and true to each other.Although Marcos died, his legacy lived among those who do devious trickeries while under office. They use to justify the mistakes he has committed to further their agenda. This must not be and this must change. This is the main reason why we study history, learn from their mistakes so that we will not repeat their foolies. When power becomes the goal, vision ceases and one becomes an obstinate tyrant without doing much actual good to his people. With great power, comes great responsibility but when power is the goal, there will be no more accountability.

Biblical dynasties

Political dynasties in the Bible existed. King David was succeeded by his illustrious son, Solomon and God even advocated dynasties but only with those qualifications he has also set with. Given this, it is not entirely wrong or evil to be in dynasty if you will fulfill God’s requirement, “if you will walk in My statutes and execute My ordinances and keep all My commandments.”

“Concerning this house which you are building, if you will walk in My statutes and execute My ordinances and keep all My commandments by walking in them, then I will carry out My word with you which I spoke to David your father.And I will dwell among the sons of Israel, and will not forsake My people Israel.” 1 Kings 6:12-13

Solomon displayed wisdom and righteousness. God looks for the righteous heart. Righteousness is the number one quality God is looking in Solomon’s heart. Should’t we require less from any government officers or politicians this agenda? God did not look for the party but whether that person has righteousness. Being righteous here does not mean self-righteous or otherwise that would be humbug. Rather, He is looking for the heart given to integrity, given to protecting life and keeping peace in his domain.

To David, which He was referring here was, “You shall not lack a man to sit on the throne of Israel, if only your sons take heed to their way to walk before Me as you have walked.’ (1Kings 8:25). It was the same admonition that He has given for all leaders who would follow. That is if you will walk like David walk, then the Lord will not lack any man from your house as a good leader ruling in your city. David is the counter culture to what Marcos rule would be. How did King David rule? He ruled Israel with the heart of integrity and passion for seeing God glorified in his realm. Marcos’ example showed us more of a type of Saul who would want to stay in power as long as he could. When power has gripped one’s heart and the only motive was to stay in power because one loves the respect of the people and the money involved in ruling one has adulterated himself already for power rather than service.

True motives

The only motive for true leaders like David was no other than to seek and to do His will for his life and for his country. The heart of David did right because he sought God’s will over his own will.

It is hard to give up one’s power once one has tasted how it is to be powerful. Or to handle a big office or to handle big money. Yet it shows us that the recent articles right now such as the GMA news and research that only one province in the Philippines is without political dynasty gives idea of how prevalent that power has been the main motive of those who want to hold an office. One of the factors that we can take a look into why there is a large flair for families wanting to rule together a certain province is apart from the prestige and advantage, some of the family members are encouraged rather to also rule and to learn early on how to do it like his father or uncle.

Promise keeper

In essence this is just like the extension of the primal communities before where the family owns a hacienda and rules a vast area of poor Filipinos. Early on for example the Laurels knew the way how to hold on to power as well as the Aquinos of Tarlac. There are many reasons why a family wants to stay in power, but regardless, I have no complain as long as the infrastructures and the economic activities are truly progressing.When in 5 years of office we did not see progress or change in infrastructure, that leader has already blinded us with his promises if we will still vote for him when the next election comes.A leader is not only promise giver, he is foremost a promise keeper and to that the end result is action.

Sometimes changes are however needed in an area, and a new man is elected to the seat of power. Such changes are not welcome for the status quo simply because it is a deviation from their normal activities and familiar surroundings. The so called loyalists of families are often the people who have been benefiting from these dynasties. They are enslaved by the help or the benefit they gained from these dynasties today. Most are the poor folks who think it was their debt to be served at by these guys who were in seat of power. Yet true statesmanship is simply service and there is no debt to anyone due except to show honor to whom honor is due and to give service to whom service is due.

When this is taken into consideration, the “utang na loob mentality” of most Filipinos would be shattered. It is because of this culture of utang na loob that we have so often times compromised truth and integrity. It has also facilitated the stay of the status quo and preserved leaders without eyes, and shielded weaklings just because we have been with the guy before.

Misplaced loyalty

There is a place for true loyalty but a misplaced loyalty is like drowning oneself with a bitter liquor. Again, true leadership is leading the people into a vision of their rightful future. Marcos has a vision for a grand Philippines but he lost this vision when power became his goal, he simply became a slave of power. To be elected in an office is not the end goal; service is the end goal.

The end goal

The greatest thing aspiring leaders should do is to inspire and encourage their fellow Filipinos by setting a righteous example both in morality as well as in strength and reconstruction of the economy. For now the battle is not yet over and will not be over until the True Son of David reigns with us here on earth.  Ruling is a foretaste of what would come but we are here to set an example, and that is we are elected in office so that we can serve the people not to be served by the people’s taxes but use the people’s money for the good of the people. Any leader who lacks this basic resolve and motto is only tarnishing what it means to be a real Filipino.