By: Alfred Mc Coy

Development Studies SocietySeptember 8, 2011

Educational Discussion

(from Greek: ἀναρχίᾱ anarchíā, "without ruler") - Most often, the term "anarchy" describes the simple absence of publicly recognized government or enforced political authority.

In relation to our general ED festival title, Kamusta ka, Pinas?, the Development Studies Society chose the Anarchy of Families in the Philippines as the topic because the leadership of these families reflects the kind of state that exists in the Philippines.

Rent-seeking family building connection with political elites to monopolize products

Origin of wealth: From Ilo-ilo, they used sugar demand to earn money (sugar plantation)

Didn’t form a close alliance with local politicians. They chose to have connection with the national government.

 An example of Warlord Politics from Northern Cebu Island

Known for their business: PALTIK Source of wealth: mining, coal,

illegal arms trade, sugar, cement Warlords secure votes for

National Elections

Guns, Goons, and Gold Rose from Lanao – Mohamad Ali

Dimaporo is the luckiest man in Mindanao

Close to former President Marcos (Best friends)

Winning through intimidation SHIFTED PARTIES from Marcos to Aquino

From local dominance in Cebu to supralocal power (national)

Benefited from inter marriages Brought ideological domination by monopolizing the public space

Not a warlord

Kamusta na nga ba ang Pinas sa kamay ng mga

namumuno na ito?

Elites resolve contradictions through elections

Interdependent ang local at national government

Mass based partylist – no funds, one with the struggle of the People

The use of money or access to resources are the deciding factors in winning

Warlords rely heavily on violence

As Iskolars ng bayan, we need to be critical thinkers. We must not be easily fooled of how these leaders portray themselves in public. We must look beyond what is presented by the media. We must not allow them to serve their interest while saying that they are working for the Filipino people.