Mindanao’s political landscape is dominated by dynasties, with 23 out of 28 provinces having governors, vice governors, and representatives from the same family. The provinces of Camiguin, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Lanao del Sur, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi have governors, vice governors, and representatives from the same political dynasties. In other provinces, such as Basilan and Davao del Norte, the governor and vice governor are from the same family, while in 11 provinces, the governor and representative are related. Only five provinces – Dinagat Islands, Maguindanao del Sur, Misamis Oriental, Sarangani, and South Cotabato – do not have a dominant political dynasty. A survey conducted by Pulse Asia found that only 5% of Mindanao residents “very much agree” to ban political dynasties, compared to 69% in the National Capital Region and 59% in the Visayas. The dominance of political dynasties in Mindanao has raised concerns about accountability and the lack of checks and balances in the region’s political system. Despite this, many of these dynasties were able to retain power in the recent elections, although they failed to deliver votes for the senatorial candidates of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration.
