The international press has become very interested in Philippine politics since Rodrigo Duterte was elected president in 2016. His controversial character, apparent disregard for protocol, and the ...

Richard Heydarian, an expert on Philippine politics, says they are such a dominant feature in the country that between 70% and 90% of elected offices have been controlled by influential families.

A 2012 study published in the Philippine Political Science Journal showed that an average of 31.3 percent of all congressmen and 23.1 percent of governors were replaced by relatives between 1995 ...