FEATURES: Quezon's unique political dynasties
Balita News
LUCENA CITY, March 28 (PNA) -- Former Lucena city Mayor Euclides
(Ed) Abcede, a leading human rights lawyer and former congressional
fellow at the United States Congress defines a political dynasty (in the
Philippines) as two or more members of a particular family who
perpetuate themselves in power through the usual electoral processes.
The third edition of the American Heritage Dictionary defines
dynasty as:1) a succession of rulers from the same family or line, or 2)
a group that maintains power for several generations.
Popular and durable political dynasties in the country include
the OsmeÑas and Duranos of Cebu, Imperials of Bicol, Singsons of the
Ilocos, Magsaysay of Zambales, Laurel of Batangas and the Dys of
Isabela.
The Dys are literally a Dynasty. Congressman, governor and mayor
The few existing political dynasties from vote rich Quezon
province in Southern Tagalog are unique and far fetched from other
dynasties in the sense that they do not employ guns, goons, and gold to
perpetuate themselves in power.
The Quezon dynasties rely mainly on their performance,
popularity, political machines and rapport with the masses.
Dynasties in this part of the country are usually limited to
only two or three members of the family - and no more.
During the past 30 years, the Alcalas, Escuetas, Diestros and
Talagas ruled the political horizons in this province.
Three members of the Diestros family in Real, Quezon became town
mayors - Amado (Father), Amelia (mother) and Amado Joel (son). A sister
(Remedios V) older Diestro (Amado) has been town mayor of Atimonan for
more than 20 years.
The Escueta's has ruled Tiaong for more than 37 years.
Moises Escueta served as town mayor of Tiaong for many years
before he was elected congressman in the early 1970s.
His older brothers Francisco and Vevincio also became town
mayors of Tiaong, hometown of the late Sen. Claro M. Recto.
Escueta's daughter Merlina is now Mayor of Tiaong.
Provincial Board Member Hermilando Alcala is oldest brother of
the late Gov. Anacleto C. Alcala. His grandson Manuel (Dondon) served as
Ex-officio member of the Lucena city council.
Alcala's son Vicente (Colet) has been barangay captain of
Barangay Cotta in this city for more than 15 years.
Rep. Wigberto TaÑada (4th district) is the son of the late Sen.
Lorenzo M. TaÑada, who served in the senate for 24 years.
Gov. Wilfrido L. Enverga is the son of the late Rep. Manuel
Enverga, chairman of the House foreign affairs committee.
When Bienvenido (Benny) Marquez was in Congress representing 3rd
District of Quezon, his brother Manolo was the town mayor of Padre
Burgos.(PNA) BFM/wpt/BL/mmg
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