Alternative leadership in Isabela: an assessment of Governor Grace Padaca's programs and its effect on the local development of Ilagan

Abstract

The political system in the Philippines has remained the same through time. In pre-colonial baranganic villages, to colonial period of Spanish and American colonialism, until the present time, the Philippine politics has always been an elitist system. The elites have maintained their power and political resources through their election and re-election in key national and local government positions. However, the 1987 Constitution has implemented the term limits or the allowable years and consecutive terms of office of an elected government official. The primary reason of this is to make the process of election more democratic in a sense that monopoly of power in running the government in the hands of a few people will be at least controlled. However, this did not make any good with the eradication of political dynasties, where the spouse, offspring or other relatives just take the position in government of the previous official who is also a family. This ensures that the power and prestige is maintained within the family. [Introduction]