Ilonggo perceptions on the extent of patronage practices and their attitudes toward intra-familial succession in Iloilo

Abstract

The study examined politics in Iloilo by looking into Ilonggo voters’ perceptions of patronage practices of local politicians, and how these conditions influence their attitude towards dynastic politics or intra-familial succession at the local level. A total of 384 respondents were surveyed through face-to-face interview. Chi-square and Gamma tests were used to determine the significant relationships between variables. Findings of the study reveal that the use of patronage has contributed to the election success of the Governor, Congressman, Mayor, and Punong Barangay to Some Extent (40.8%) and to a Great Extent (18.3%). One in four (24.5 %) of the respondents were Not Sure or Uncertain of its effect while 11.8 percent noted that its effect is Negligible. With regard to their attitude towards ‘dynastic’ politics or intrafamilial succession, one in five (22.1%) among the Ilonggo voters holds a positive attitude compared to three-fourths (74.5 %) who exhibit a Neutral Attitude towards these politicians. These findings thus suggest that the Ilonggo voter perceived that the extensive use of patronage has generally contributed to the election success of local politicians in the Province.