HARD-AND-FAST answers may be difficult to find what give rise to the emergence of political dynasties and why they remain entrenched for decades or generations.

        But it is not difficult to show that the political dynasties in our midst had been so entrenched for decades that the foundation of their political clout that feeds on patronage politics are now so hard to crack because the relations of the dynasts and their followers continued for generations.

        In Bicol, no political dynasty is as old as the 100-year old political dynasty of the Fuentebellas with the political patriarch in the person of lawyer Jose Fuentebella establishing the seeds of their political clout in 1907. The Fuentebella political dynasty that started at the turn of 20th century is as old as the Osmeña political dynasty of Cebu.

        Obviously, the patriarch of the Fuentebellas, who was a founding member of the Nacionalista Party (NP) like President Manuel L. Quezon and Vice President Sergio Osmeña, had positioned himself in national politics when the Republic of the Philippines was still at its infancy stage. They were there when the colonizing Americans introduced the political system that is still working today.

        But being positioned at the turn of 20th century is not enough for a political dynasty to last. It required more things like right political moves that ensured continuity of hold to power by the generations to come. As more members of the family or clan are elected to positions, power and resources accumulate with them.

        In a country where access to political system and power are costly in terms of money and only those who can afford the time, resources and have requisite connections find entry into what is often an exclusive if not closed club.

        From here the political dynasty starts to rise to power which when buttressed by more money become formidable political force during elections with several kin occupying powerful and strategic positions in the executive and legislative bodies.

        Some political dynasties may arise from the admirable deeds of the earlier generation who had made a name in crucial moments in history which made their legitimacy unquestioned and widely accepted.

        There were also those that were founded by political patriarch whose leadership was etched in the popular imagination for which the people identify with such a charismatic leader.

        The midterm elections saw the entry of new dynasts elected to power exemplified by the Dato Arroyo who was elected as congressman of the first district of Camarines Sur. Through the courtesy of Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya Jr., the youngest presidential son was served with a ready-made political base that propelled him to power.

        With the results at the elective local positions already concluded, the Arroyo political dynasty has further entrenched themselves with only First Gentleman Mike Arroyo and daughter Luli out of the political field. Dato, together with his brother Mikey and uncle Iggy, maybe the newest among the Arroyos in Congress but their number and combined clout that went with the position of a congressman can multiply more than threefold while President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo continues to reign.

        The experience of the Philippines in harboring political dynasties for decades has not brought good tidings to the exercise of the people’s democratic rights. Ironically, the control and dominance of political dynasties feeding on the spoils of the system remain unchallenged and reinforced because of an electoral process that is obviously governed by money, goons and gold.