Constitutional change and oligarchic politics in the Philippines, 1987–2024

Author(s)/Editor(s):Cristina Regina Bonoan and Björn Dressel
Publication year: 2025
Publication type: Research Article
Find this publication at: Journal of Current Southeast Asian Affairs

Following the end of the Marcos dictatorship (1965–1986), the 1987 Constitution was adopted to safeguard democratic governance. Since then, the Philippines has witnessed numerous, albeit unsuccessful, attempts at constitutional change. This article examines the relationship between oligarchic interests and efforts to amend the Philippine Constitution from 1987 to 2024. The study documents the various efforts lobbying for charter change and examines how powerful political and economic families have engaged with these initiatives under each administration. Our analysis shows that support or opposition to constitutional change often reflects oligarchic goals, raising concerns about the authenticity of reform efforts. However, competitive-clientelist dynamics among oligarchic families serve as a countervailing force, particularly during election cycles, as factions fear that reforms could restrict their future access to state resources or exclude them from power. This article offers insights into the interplay between entrenched power structures and constitutional reform to highlight the persistent influence of oligarchic families in shaping the Philippine political landscape.