Political dynasties have proven to be inseparable to the widespread landlessness and poverty amongst the peasantry. Massive clans like the Villars, Dutertes, and the Marcoses have encroached on massive landholdings, made themselves richer and more powerful from land grabbing, land-use conversions, and have pursued enacting anti-people policies like the Rice Liberalization Law and National Land Use Act that crippled local agriculture and worsened the lives and livelihood of farmers.

Members of these clans run for political positions to strengthen their grips on their economic interests, particularly on land. A 2024 PCIJ report has shown that 8 out of 10 district representatives belong from political families, and more than half are vying for office once again in May. 36 out of 54 partylists in the current 19th congress also are linked to these clans. For one, Camarines Sur’s Villafuerte clan have sought various posts in the coming election, and have a hand on land use conversions and quarrying all over the Bicol region.

The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) presents the political dynasties that dominate land monopoly in the country. Now more than ever, genuine land reform remains to be a staunch call to achieve social justice and to dismantle the stranglehold of these influential families on the long-running problems on land.