Join Investigative Journalist Sheila Coronel for a Critical Talk on Political Dynasties and Democracy
The Center for Southeast Asian Studies, in collaboration as the Asia Working Group, is pleased to co-sponsor a special talk by renowned journalist Sheila Coronel on the dangers of political dynasties and their impact on democracy.
Event Details
- Date: March 14, 2025, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM HST
- Location: Sakamaki Hall, A201, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
About the Speaker
Sheila Coronel is the Director of the Stabile Center for Investigative Journalism and the Stabile Professor of Professional Practice in Investigative Journalism at Columbia University. As a co-founder of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, she has played a crucial role in exposing corruption and advancing press freedom. Her work has earned her prestigious honors, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award and the Columbia University Presidential Teaching Award.
Talk Overview
Political families monopolize elective office in the Philippines. The Marcos family is a prime example: Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is a third- generation member of the Marcos-Romualdez political clan. His sister is in the Senate, his cousin is House Speaker, his son is Deputy Speaker, while other relatives hold local posts. Today 8 of 10 members of the House of Representatives are from political clans, as are 71 of 82 provincial governors. With few checks on their power, political clans craft state policy to enrich themselves and entrench their dominance. Their stranglehold on power crushes meritocracy and stifles political competition. Electoral victories should bring accountability, but political families use them to evade it. Patronage systems bind voters in loyalty and in many places, strong-arm tactics and private armies ensure dominance. The result? Democratic dysfunction, economic stagnation, and mass migration as Filipinos leave for overseas work in search of opportunities denied at home.
The discussion will be moderated by Prof. Vina Lanzona, the History department at University of Hawaii at Manoa
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of the leading voices in investigative journalism.
For more information, please contact us.