The Robredo Style: Philippine Local Politics in Transition

Abstract

Politics in the Philippines has been a matter of patronage. The political elite solicits the support of the relatively powerful who draw strength from the individually powerless voters for assistance. In retum, the former will reward the latter with the fruits of influence and whatever else that was agreed upon. This relationship of patronage is renewed during elections and is understood as the way the political system worked until the late President Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial Law and did away with patronage politics. In its place came a more unilateral relationship which voided contracts with traditional power brokers. The Aquino administration facilitated the retum of patronage politics but at the same time introduced a new breed of leaders. One such politician is Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo. Robredo consolidated popular support without the aid of mutually rewarding ties, a strong political machine or a monopoly of power. The manner in which he secured the maximum term of office and improved the lives of his constituents sets a new standard in governance. The author calls it the Robredo Style.