Term Limits and Political Dynasties: Unpacking the Links

ASOG Working Paper 19-005

25 Pages Posted: 18 Apr 2019

See all articles by Ronald U. Mendoza

Ronald U. Mendoza

Ateneo De Manila University - Ateneo School of Government

Miann Banaag

Ateneo de Manila University - Ateneo School of Government

Michael Henry Yusingco

Ateneo de Manila University - Ateneo School of Government

Date Written: March 20, 2019

Abstract

This paper reviews the empirical evidence linking political dynasties to the imposition of term limits under the 1987 Constitution. It finds evidence that political clans have found a way around this Constitutional constraint, by fielding more family members in power -- giving rise to more fat political dynasties. Hence, we carefully argue that the introduction of term limits -- combined with the failure to introduce other ancillary reforms (notably an anti-dynasty law) -- may have brought about instead some unintended consequences. So it is not term limits per se that created fat political dynasties. We further argue that it is a non sequitur to argue that dynasties will be curbed by removing term limits. This is particularly true given fat political clans are already prevalent. Simply removing term limits at this point will secure the political foothold of many already fat political dynasties. Real reforms should be focused not on removing term limits, but on further strengthening those reforms that should have accompanied it -- including enhancing competition in the political sphere, such as by supplying alternative leaders, strengthening political parties and regulating political dynasties.

Keywords: term limits, political dynasties

JEL Classification: D70, I39, 053

Suggested Citation

Mendoza, Ronald U. and Banaag, Miann and Yusingco, Michael Henry, Term Limits and Political Dynasties: Unpacking the Links (March 20, 2019). ASOG Working Paper 19-005 , Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3356437 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3356437

Ronald U. Mendoza

Ateneo De Manila University - Ateneo School of Government ( email )

Katipunan Road
Loyola Heights
Quezon City, 1108
Philippines

Miann Banaag (Contact Author)

Ateneo de Manila University - Ateneo School of Government ( email )

Pacifico Ortiz Hall, Fr. Arrupe Road
Social Development Complex, Loyola Heights
Quezon City, Manila 1108
Philippines

Michael Henry Yusingco

Ateneo de Manila University - Ateneo School of Government ( email )

Pacifico Ortiz Hall, Fr. Arrupe Road
Social Development Complex, Loyola Heights
Quezon City, Manila 1108
Philippines

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