Padrino system

Padrino System, or patronage in the Filipino culture and politics is the value system where one gains favor, promotion, or political appointment through family affiliation (nepotism) or friendship (cronyism), as opposed to one's merit. The Padrino System in the Philippines has been the source of many controversies and corruption.

It has been an open secret that one cannot join the political arena of the Philippines without mastery of the Padrino System. From the lowest Barangay official, to the President of the Republic, it is expected that one gains political debts and dispenses political favor to advance one's career or influence, if not wealth.

Patronage in the Executive

The Padrino system sometimes exists in Executive, due to the leader's allegiance to his or her party, supporters and contributors.

Patronage in the Legislative

The Constitution of the Philippines in many ways has laid down the foundations against nepotism, cronyism, and oligarchial rule of the few. As a democratic republic, the Philippines is supposed to have a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. However, in reality, one can take a look at the Legislative Branch of the government, and come to a conclusion that it is all on the contrary.

The issue of political dynasties has always been touched, especially during elections, but the subject has been much avoided by politicians alike who have a wife, son, daughter, or a relative sitting in office as well.

In September 2008, Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago passed Senate Bill No. 2616, or the "Anti-Political Recommendation Act," however this as usual has been shelved for the time being and is currently pending at the Committee level.

When the pork barrel scam broke out, Senator Jinggoy Estrada claimed that Pres. Benigno Aquino III used the Disbursement Acceleration Program to influence the 188 Congressional Representatives and 20 Senators to approve the impeachment complaint against Renato Corona. On July 2, 2014 the Supreme Court decision on DAP was ruled as unconstitutional.

Patronage in the Military

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) was known as one of the best in the post-World War geopolitical scene in Southeast Asia, if not the whole of Asia. Majority of the officers were graduates from the West Point-styled Philippine Military Academy - which is also considered as Asia's best military academy.

In order to get a higher rank or office,you must have at least known or befriend a high-ranking official to be promoted.

Impact

This kind of system affect an individual with higher intellect by kicking them out by giving undeserved chance to those close to ones with high position usually in business and politics.

See also

• Corruption in the Philippines
• Spoils system, 19th century American equivalent