Dynasties’ decades-old hold on 32 local posts ends after Eleksyon 2019

The voters in the May 2019 midterm elections put an end to the dominance of 32 political clans in local positions across the country.

According to a report by Lei Alviz in GMA's 24 Oras on Thursday, data gathered by GMA News Research some political families have been at the helm of 220 positions at the local level for at least two decades—168 mayoral, 41 congressional, and 11 gubernatorial seats.

Change, however, came in some known bailiwicks as 32 candidates from political clans lost in the midterm polls.

After 37 years, the mayor of Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental will not be an Emano after Heckert Hernando Emano was defeated by Enan Sabio.

The 34-year congressional representation by of Red Durano's clan in Cebu's 5th District also ended with Duke Frasco's win.

The 2nd District of Davao del Norte will no longer be represented by a Floirendo-Lagmadeo in the House of Representatives, a first in 34 years.

Some political families were also dislodged from their positions in Malabang, Lanao del Sur; Narra, Palawan; Currimao, Ilocos Norte; Sara, Iloilo; San Luis, Aurora; and Narvacan, Ilocos Sur.

After over 20 years, the Estradas and Eusebios also lost their strongholds in San Juan City and Pasig City, respectively.

The same fate befell the Ecleos in Dinagat Islands and the Fariñases in Laoag City, as well as by the clan of Seachon-Lanete in Masbate's 3rd District.

It also took 21 years for Agusan del Sur to have a governor who is not affiliated with the Plaza clan.

In the same vein, Rizal's 2nd District Representative will not be a Rodriguez.

The victory of alternative candidates who won in the recent elections comes with a great challenge, according to a University of the Philippines professor.

"May mga pagkakataon na meron talagang challenger na nagpe-present ng alternatives at baka hindi na naging epektibo talaga sa mga botante 'yung pamumuno nu'ng mga political clans," said UP political science professor Lea Atienza.

"Hindi natatapos sa pagboto ang responsibilidad ng mga mamamayan. Kailangan bantayan nila. Nangako ng ang dami ang ating mga pulitiko, tutuparin ba nila 'yun?" she added.

Former dean of UP National College of Public Administration, Professor Edna Co, said that the voters tend to give more thoughts on local elections because they believe that the local leadership will likely bring more direct impacts to their daily lives.

"Palagay ko tinitimbang din ng mga kababayan natin na at least doon sa lokal na antas ay magkaroon ng change," Co said. —Dona Magsino/NB, GMA News