Constitutional Change and Oligarchic Politics in the Philippines, 1987–2024
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 7514784 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Cristina Regina Bonoan (University of the Philippines System), Björn Dressel (0000-0002-3301-6805, Australian National University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 45 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 171-197 |
| Publication date | 2026-04-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Current Southeast Asian Affairs (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1868-1034 • E-ISSN: 1868-4882 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/18681034251367455 |
| OpenAlex | W4413304639 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 34 |
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
Development economics · Economics · Political change · Political economy · Political science · Politics · Sociology · Asian Studies and History · Hong Kong and Taiwan Politics · Law · Philippine History and Culture
Oligarchy
Democracy for Sale
Constitutional Change and Democracy in Indonesia
Routledge Handbook of Southeast Asian Democratization
Between Populism And Reform
The Philippines
Introduction
Constitutional Order in Oligarchic Democracies
From Fat to Obese
Politics and Constitutions in Southeast Asia
Mobilizing for Accountability
Leadership and Political Stabilization in a Post-Aquino Philippines
Cacique Democracy and the Philippines
A Philippine Strongman's Legislative and Constitutional Reforms Legacy
Strong Demands and Weak Institutions
State and Society in the Philippines
The Philippines in 2006
Constitutional Debates in the Philippines
Money Politics and Transitions to Democracy in East Asia
Beyond Oligarchy
Oligarchs and Cronies in the Philippine State the Politics of Patrimonial Plunder
The Philippines
Democratization and Stabilization in the Philippines
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |