Why local elections matter
While much attention in the 2025 midterm elections has centered on control of the Senate, it is at the local government level where the most critical governance issues are painfully clear. Local officials have increasingly exploited the expansive powers provided by the Local Government Code, notably the authority to levy taxes and approve or block infrastructure projects and business ventures within their jurisdictions.
Yet, implementation of the Local Government Code remains selective. Revenue-raising powers are eagerly enforced, while equally important provisions—such as mandatory public consultations and regular local development assemblies—are routinely neglected. As a result, powers meant to foster community participation and subsidiarity instead consolidate personal authority in the hands of local officials.
This selective enforcement makes political control at the local level a decisive factor in business success, whether legitimate or otherwise. Political authority now frequently serves as a tool to legitimize wealth gained from unlawful activities, effectively laundering dirty money through public office. This troubling dynamic is particularly evident at the municipal and provincial levels.
Politics thus becomes merely an extension of economic rivalry. Greater financial resources translate directly to wider political networks and increased patronage, both during and between elections. As politics intertwines more deeply with business interests, political families become increasingly resistant to relinquishing power. Term limits become mere obstacles to circumvent.
Fear of losing political power—and thus economic control—has driven political families to transform parties and coalitions into extensions of their business conglomerates. Political operatives become salaried employees, enjoying perks like overseas vacations, vehicles, and family allowances. When elections arrive, these operatives (some of them may be local officials themselves) must deliver results by whatever means necessary.
Clearly, meaningful governance reform must start locally. Yet, how realistic are the chances for ordinary citizens—a dedicated teacher, doctor, lawyer, or engineer frustrated by corruption—to challenge entrenched political dynasties? How can a candidate without substantial resources compete with political families that maintain support through small acts of patronage like groceries for birthdays and rice and meat for Christmas?
Yet history shows moments when the improbable becomes possible, when moral courage successfully confronts entrenched power. We saw this in February 1986, when Cory Aquino inspired Filipinos to overcome fear and apathy, igniting a national movement for reform. Winning became secondary; reclaiming moral courage and people’s agency was what truly mattered.
From that pivotal moment, communities spontaneously organized, produced their own campaign materials, and took charge of protecting their votes. But such moments are rare and cannot be passively awaited. Genuine reform demands sustained commitment rather than dependence on extraordinary events.
In the early decades of our republic, national political parties actively recruited and trained leaders at all levels—from municipio to Malacañang. These vital institutions for nurturing democratic leadership never fully recovered from their collapse during Martial Law. Political families soon took over their role of uniting interests and developing a professional political class. The result, as we have seen, has been the shameless monopoly of governmental power by families.
Today, the responsibility of revitalizing local governance lies firmly with young Filipinos. Beginning at their barangays, the youth can use digital tools to document local problems, facilitate discussions, and build grassroots networks. Such efforts will help identify individuals truly dedicated to public service.
There are no shortcuts to good governance. Real change occurs when citizens—particularly young people—earnestly commit themselves to understanding, challenging, and transforming local politics. The upcoming elections represent an opportunity and a test for everyone aspiring to improve the lives of their communities.
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