The names echo through Philippine society – the Barretto sisters in entertainment, the Sy family behind SM, the Marcos dynasty in politics. Supporting family isn’t inherently wrong, but when success is *inherited* and advantages are unfairly granted, a troubling pattern emerges.
Generation Z coined the term “nepo baby,” but the practice itself is ancient. In the Philippines, it’s a modern echo of the “Padrino” system – favors, promotions, and power secured through connections, not competence. This isn’t a new story; it’s a deeply ingrained part of the national fabric.
Filipinos often elevate familiar names, overlooking flaws and inflating abilities simply because of a prestigious surname. This creates a dangerous complacency, a willingness to accept mediocrity at the highest levels, and perpetuates a cycle of flawed governance and repeated failures.
The advantage is stark. Connections bypass red tape, unlock insider knowledge, and widen the chasm between the privileged and the struggling. While some readily embrace these “nepo babies,” a biased cultural perspective takes root, turning many into passive observers rather than active participants in a truly equitable society.
JR, a Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management student and grandson of a prominent Filipino-Chinese tycoon, confessed to a delayed awareness of his own privilege. “I didn’t realize what was normal for me wasn’t the norm for everyone else,” he admitted, acknowledging the immense fortune he was born into.
However, JR’s parents instilled a strong work ethic, refusing to hand him opportunities. He spoke of the pressure to succeed as a third-generation heir, preparing to lead different facets of the family business. “I’m a nepo baby by definition, but I was raised to strive for my success,” he emphasized, grateful for both support and accountability.
Jiro, a Sign Language Interpretation student and niece of a well-known senator, offered a contrasting perspective. Her uncle’s political life actively *discouraged* her from pursuing a similar path, exposing her to a world of conflict and compromise she wished to avoid.
Jiro’s frustration stemmed from opportunities offered simply because of her family name, even when unwanted. She nearly received a scholarship unfairly, her uncle intervening to secure a slot. “It’s maddening,” she stated, lamenting the complacency surrounding privilege and pleading for meaningful change.
The concentration of wealth and power within elite dynasties continues to repeat historical patterns. A 2022 study revealed the top 1% of Philippine billionaires control approximately 25% of Asia’s wealth, a staggering disparity.
Nepotism and cronyism have seeped into every sector, becoming normalized practices. This has created a disturbing trickle-down effect, where even those disadvantaged by the system begin to replicate it with those below them, fostering a ruthless “every man for himself” mentality and eroding the foundations of community.
How can a nation progress when it’s shackled by dishonesty and blinded by bias? It’s time to dismantle the structures that prioritize connections over competence and offer genuine opportunities to all Filipinos.
It’s tempting to be captivated by the glamorous lives of “nepo babies,” but they are merely symptoms of a deeper systemic issue. The real problem lies in a system that grants unearned advantages while demanding relentless effort from those without such privilege.
The responsibility falls on every Filipino to demand better leadership, to support those who earn their positions through merit, and to reject the disastrous legacy of the “Padrino” system. Complacency has allowed this cycle to persist for generations.
But is this the future we accept? A continuous stream of unfortunate events and poor decisions leading to national decline? The battle isn’t against an external enemy, but against ourselves and the system we’ve created. Change must begin at the grassroots level, a fundamental overhaul of a centuries-old structure.
