Political Turncoatism: Impact on the Electoral and Socio-Economic System of The Republic of the Philippines

• In Event: Issues in International and Comparative Politics

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the effects of rampant Political Turncoatism on the Republic of the Philippines electoral and socio-economic system. The study analyzes the 1935 and 1973 versions of the Philippine constitution in comparison to the current 1987 constitution in relation to the issue of Turncoatism. This paper suggests that if Filipino politicians were required to have an ideological commitment to their political party, Turncoatism may be reduced. Currently, leading candidates often switch political parties to increase their chances for electoral success and campaign funding. The sycophantic behavior of political party-hopping has significant impacts on the socioeconomic conditions experienced by constituents within their respective legislative districts.
Politicians favor the side of the most dominant political personality that would help them win the election. Consequently, political alignment has been shown to immediately change if the leading political personality loses the popularity that is common at the beginning and the end of a politician’s term in office. The revitalization of House Bill 488, “The Political Party Development Act,” would strengthen political sustainability by disqualifying turncoat politicians, ensuring the future of free and fair elections in the Philippines.

Author

• Julius Robin Pelina, Brigham Young University—Hawai'i