Mafia-style domination in the Philippines

The present study investigates the mode of domination in three different parts of the Philippines: the provinces of Pampanga and Negros Occidental and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Peter Kreuzer develops a model of oligarchy-based Mafia-style domination that integrates the core dimensions of patronage, corruption, illegal business and violence and exemplifies the corresponding social practice in the three regions. With respect to prospects for change, the author remains pessimistic. As long as the electorate continues to re-elect proponents of the status quo and accepts governance through clientelist exchange relationships, the fundamental characteristics of domination will remain in place, even though a focus on rule of law, including a strengthening of the state security forces and judiciary may lead to a reduction of the criminal dimension.