The sudden fall of many political empires

“Walang Forever” in love and politics. Today, the Church celebrates Pentecost Sunday. It’s timely to reflect on the fleeting life on earth and the ups and downs in politics. But God gives us hope by sending the Holy Spirit. The last polls saw the downfall of many political empires. But God sent new hopes for his people.

The Osmeñas, Duranos, Radazas, Estradas, and Eusebios never expected that their empires would crumble. Jojo Binay never gave his opponent enough respect worthy of a rival, but we all know what happened. In love and politics, there are no permanent relationships. No matter how deep the affections and how strong the bonds, somehow and sometime, ties can be broken. There will be sorrows, regrets, and anger. But what matters most, when the air is cleared, the human spirit and human will remains indomitable.

The results of the election indicate that political dynasties aren’t forever, no matter how strong and popular a political leader is. The Osmeñas in Cebu City have been derailed again by Mayor Edgar Labella and earlier by Mayor Michael Rama. The invincibility of the Duranos of Danao was destroyed by Duke Frasco after 70 years of supremacy.

Even the well-entrenched Garcias were shown not to be invincible anymore. Willy Caminero once defeated Pablo Garcia in the old and undivided Second District. Hilario Davide III defeated two Garcias, first Pablo John and then Winston for Cebu governor. No family is impregnable. Dynasties can fall like a deck of cards.

In Metro Manila, the Estrada Empire was demolished by Isko Moreno in Manila and Francis Zamora in San Juan. The Eusebio dynasty in Pasig was dismantled by Vico Sotto. Former vice president Jojo Binay was trounced by his former subaltern Kid Pena. In the same manner, Ahong Chan demolished the Radaza dynasty in Lapu-Lapu City. Frasco ended the Durano invincibility.

In Philippine political history, many dynasties have become moribund. Makati used to be controlled by the Yabuts, led by Nemesio Yabut. Pasay by the Cunetas under Pablo Cuneta (the late father of Sharon Cuneta). Pasig by the Carunchos and Caloocan by the Assistios. Today, those names are mere annotations in the pages of history.

There are still many existing political dynasties. The Aguilars and Villars still control Las Piñas. The Marcoses and Fariñases, Ilocos Norte. The Singsons, Ilocos Sur. The Cojuangcos, Tarlac. The Pinedas, Pampanga. The Romans and Garcias, Bataan. The Yñareses, Rizal. The Khos and Lanetes, Masbate. The Romualdezes, Petillas, and Loretos, Leyte. The Garins, Defensors, and Tupases, Iloilo. But the Lopezes are gone like the Ganzons and Zuluetas. The Zubiris still control Bukidnon and all political lords in Mindanao seem to be there forever. The Dimaporos still control Lanao del Norte, and of, course, the Dutertes of Davao.

But “walang forever.” They will end. It will just take another Moreno, another Zamora, and another Sotto. In Cebu, it takes another Labella, Frasco, or Chan. For as long as there are such men, there will be hope for our motherland. The Lord will always send the Paraclete to save his people.