By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
Candidates for top posts in Antique offered differing views on political dynasties, pointing to systemic problems such as poverty, vote buying, and lack of political education.
During a public forum hosted by JCI Antique Kruhay on Sunday, April 12, candidates emphasized the importance of voter empowerment and institutional reform as key strategies to curb dynasties — a longstanding issue in Philippine politics.
Gubernatorial aspirant and incumbent Vice Governor Edgar Denosta said political dynasties hinder equitable governance and argued for broader societal representation.
“We will encourage politicians — only encouragement — because if we believe in the need for power distribution to represent all sectors in society, there should not be a political dynasty in Antique,” he said.
His rival, Vicente Fedelicio, urged Antiqueños to vote wisely and support new leadership to bring genuine progress to the province.
“Politics is not inherited. Politics is not a business enterprise,” he said.
Independent gubernatorial bet Gaspar Gayona pointed to deep-rooted causes behind dynastic politics, blaming the padrino system and widespread poverty.
“If you want to control that, then return the power to the people. Poverty is the very reason why they enslave themselves,” he said.
Rodelo Pidoy, a perennial candidate for national office, said voters alone cannot be expected to end dynasties.
“Political dynasties exist because those already in power have the capacity to buy votes, and during elections, they already have the advantage,” he said.
“The real solution does not come from the voters because they will just naturally vote,” he added.
Pidoy called on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to disqualify candidates caught buying votes.
“Once these candidates are caught, we can definitely put an end to the political dynasty,” he said.
Vice gubernatorial candidate Edward James Dy-Buyco, who is running independently of any political clan, advocated for greater political competition.
He urged young Antiqueños to enter politics and challenge dominant families.
“I would like to encourage everyone to try your luck for political dynasties to have competition. Don’t be afraid. Stand up. Try your luck,” he said.
Elections as a Deciding Mechanism
The Cadiao-Tan-Reyes tandem, running under the slogan “Patok Tumandok,” said political dynasties are not an issue as long as elections are held.
Gubernatorial candidate Jonathan Tan said the power ultimately rests with voters.
“The good thing about the Philippines is we have an election. During the elections, you have the freedom to choose and to elect your public officials,” he said.
“A political dynasty doesn’t have any bearing. It’s up to the people at the end of the day,” he added.
Caluya Mayor Genevive Lim-Reyes said coming from a political family does not automatically disqualify one from sincere public service.
“Public service should be earned by trust, confidence, and dedication. That is why there is an election,” she said.
“If you are a politician, if you have done your mandate and the people love you, you will win every election,” she added.
“My stand is we should not marginalize, because there are a lot of politicians who serve because they love their constituents.”
Incumbent Governor Rhodora Cadiao, now seeking the province’s lone congressional seat, said political dynasties cannot be regulated solely at the local level.
“We cannot control the politicians because even in Congress — the body that can stop political dynasties — nothing has been done,” she said.
Still, Cadiao said local voter education could shift the narrative.
“If they do not vote for a political dynasty, then they will not survive,” she added.
Incumbent Representative AA Legarda and his running mate for vice governor, Nene Maye Plameras, were absent from the forum.
Paolo Javier, who is also running for governor, was likewise absent.
