NEWSLETTER

Sign up to read weekly email newsletter
Asia Tech Times
Donate
Search
  • Home
  • Breaking News
  • Business
  • Finance
  • Medical
  • Political
Reading: The government is not a family
Share
Font ResizerAa
Asia Tech TimesAsia Tech Times
  • Finance
  • Technology
Search
  • Home
  • Categories
    • Finance
    • Technology
  • More Foxiz
    • Blog Index
    • Forums
    • Complaint
    • Sitemap
Follow US
Made by ThemeRuby using the Foxiz theme. Powered by WordPress
Political

The government is not a family

By Asia Tech Times
Last updated: 09/07/2025
5 Min Read
Share

December 2, 2024

Manila – We’ve become so accustomed to seeing spouses and siblings from the same family dominating our political system that we often think of the government itself as a family and its top officials as the parents of the nation. This view makes it uncomfortable to see a public spat between the president and vice president. Their public feuds, personal accusations and threats make us uncomfortable. Our instinct is to urge reconciliation for the sake of national unity.

Nothing could be more naive and misguided, especially in a society striving to modernize. The government is not a home. The Philippine Constitution defines the country as a democracy with power divided into three equal branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. While these branches are expected to cooperate, a key aspect of their functions is checks and balances.

In addition to this structure, modern political systems also rely on periodic elections in which rival parties compete for power. Political power is not inherited but gained through the electoral process. The person who wins the most votes forms the government. Such a plan would not render the opposition powerless. Beyond elections, its role is to hold governments to account, criticize their policies and offer alternatives.

Therefore, conflicts and debates among leaders are normal and necessary in modern political systems. What we should worry about is the lack of dissent among those in power, or the prevailing climate of uncritical consensus. Violent opposition and open disagreement are hallmarks of a healthy democracy. Looking back, one wishes more lawmakers, judges and top civil servants had been brave enough to condemn the atrocities of the government under former President Rodrigo Duterte. But as we have seen, their silence or timidity makes them unwitting enablers of corrupt and oppressive regimes.

This backdrop frames the public conflict between Vice President Sara Duterte and President Bongbong Marcos. How do we respond to bitter disagreements between former allies? If we agree with their “UniTeam” alliance for the 2022 elections, we might urge them to reconcile. But this rift is less troubling if we reject the continuation of Duterte’s toxic legacy. In fact, this is a political development that we should welcome.

The Marcos-Duterte alliance was from the beginning a marriage of convenience, not a partnership based on shared ideals or a coherent national vision. Their cooperation was entirely pragmatic—a strategy to advance personal political goals. For Mr. Marcos, the partnership was particularly beneficial. After losing the vice-presidential race to Leni Robredo in 2016, his presidential bid in 2022 clearly depends on Sara Duterte’s support, or at least on her Promise not to run for president. Whether the arrangement is formalized through a written agreement or governed by informal understandings about campaign finance, joint rallies, or power-sharing in the event of victory, any perceived betrayal is of no concern to the public.

What matters now is the impact. The collapse of the alliance opens the door for a congressional investigation into the controversies surrounding past Duterte administrations. These hearings revealed key issues including human rights violations, anti-drug campaigns, police corruption, death squads, offshore gaming syndicates, manipulation of local government units and misuse of public funds. They also revealed the opaque use of classified and intelligence funds by agencies such as the Vice President’s Office.

Additionally, these investigations reveal how political favoritism undermines budget scrutiny and how civil servants are vulnerable to political pressure. None of this would be possible if the Marcos-Duterte alliance remained intact.

Government is not a family and should not be run like one. We don’t get to choose our parents, and we may feel the need to keep them together for the sake of stability. But in a democracy, we elect our leaders and hold them accountable. Countries benefit when leaders openly debate, debate policy, and expose each other’s shortcomings. Silence and unbridled harmony are more destructive than passionate dissent.

TAGGED:Familygovernment

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Be keep up! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.
By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Share This Article
Facebook Email Copy Link Print

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

HOT NEWS

BlackRock To Get 40% Risk In Aboitiz Equity’s Framework Arm

Aboitiz Infracapital possesses and runs Mactan-Cebu International Airport terminal. Offered by Aboitiz Infracapital BlackRock will…

27/07/2025

China’s CATL Really feels the Pinch of a Lithium Cost Downturn it Developed

Years of long-lasting decreases in lithium costs are currently beginning to take a toll on…

19/03/2025

OpenAI strategies Sora video clip generator combination right into ChatGPT

Sora was released in December 2024 as a standalone internet application, making it possible for…

19/03/2025

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

North Korea portrays leader Kim Jong Un as 'merciful father' in flood recovery plan

Home front page daily digest North Korea portrays leader Kim Jong Un as 'merciful father' in flood recovery plan According…

Political
18/07/2025

Ex-Malaysian PM Najib not going home yet as judicial evaluation might take months, state professionals

January 7, 2025 Petaling Jaya— While Datuk Seri Najib might have prospered in getting consent from the Court of Allure…

Political
10/05/2025

Trump 2.0: Tranquil waters or harsh seas?

January 17, 2025 Manila—- In 3 days, the Trump 2.0 age will formally start. To state there is a great…

Political
08/07/2025

West Bengal principal centimeters provoking physical violence over India’s questionable Muslim residential or commercial property legislation: Union Preacher

Thiruvananthapuram – Union Minority Matters Preacher Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday charged West Bengal principal priest Mamata Banerjee of provoking physical…

Political
23/07/2025

Asia Tech Times (ISSN: 3079-8566) stands as a preeminent authority in technology journalism, delivering profound insights and strategic intelligence on the technological advancements shaping the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. Renowned for its depth of analysis and editorial excellence, the publication serves as a critical nexus for industry leaders, policymakers, scholars, and innovators navigating the evolving digital landscape.

  • Jobs Board
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Exclusives
  • Learn How
  • Support
  • Solutions
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Editorial Policy
  • Marketing Solutions
  • Industry Intelligence

Follow US: 

Copyright © 2025 Asia Tech Times. All Rights Reserved.

All content published by Asia Tech Times (ISSN: 3079-8566), including but not limited to articles, reports, editorials, graphics, images, logos, and digital media, is the exclusive intellectual property of Asia Tech Times and is protected under international copyright laws and treaties.

Asia Tech TimesAsia Tech Times
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?