The Rift Between Philippine President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Former President Rodrigo Duterte: What Does It Mean and Why Does It Matter?

Photo(s): Reuters

You might have heard about the recent rift between Philippine President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and former President Rodrigo Duterte - both belong to prominent political family dynasties in the Philippines. But what does this all mean, and why does it matter?

Let's start with the basics. A political dynasty is when one family or a few closely related families hold onto power for a long time, passing it down from one generation to the next like a family heirloom. 

Why is this such a big deal? Isn't it just normal for families to be involved in politics? Well, here's the thing: political dynasties can lead to a whole bunch of problems. Think corruption, injustice, and undemocratic governance. Not exactly the recipe for a fair and just society.

Political dynasties goes way back, even to biblical times. In the Bible, we see stories of how political dynasties led to all sorts of trouble for the people of Israel (1 Samuel 8:1-9). It's like history repeating itself, but with a Filipino twist.

So, what can we do about this? How can we change the status quo and create a better future for our country? As citizens, you have the power to make a difference. By standing up for what's right and holding our leaders accountable, we can help break the cycle of political dynasties and create a more inclusive and democratic society.

But it's not just about holding our leaders accountable; it's also about leading by example. That's where servant-leadership principles come in. Inspired by Jesus Christ, servant-leadership is all about putting others before ourselves and serving our communities with humility and compassion.

So, let's channel our inner servant-leader and work together to build a brighter future for the Philippines. Together, we can break the chains of political dynasties and create a more just and equitable society for all.

What do you think?

Listen to The Howie Severino Podcast for a more in-depth discussion and analysis of the situation:

What’s happening to the Marcos-Duterte alliance? — UP political scientist Aries Arugay | Part 1

How should BBM handle Digong? – UP political scientist Aries Arugay | Part 2