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 . 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.

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

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.

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