Academic hypocrisy

the Philippines.” Using empirical data, Querubin found no evi impact of imposing term limits on the prevalence of political dynasties. The study found that elites persist despite the imposition of term limits, and political dynasties are even deepened with term-limited incumbents simply being replaced by their own family members. The results of the study also revealed that term limits, which are in fact designed to widen the political playing enticing high-quality candidates to challenge incumbents, and they would prefer to wait until the latter’s term expires and run for an open seat. This then leads to a high incidence of unchallenged incumbents running in safe seats. In sum, Querubin’s study indicated that term limits are ineffective in bringing about political reform. Only a more direct mechanism to undermine the base of dynastic power, which can only be achieved through an anti-dynasty law, will have the potential for widening

Marcos was therefore simply echoing the result of an academic study on the issue which was being debated. When given the chance to express his opinion, instead of debunking the claims made by Marcos based - kno opted to make a politically partisan hit. Instead of showing the weakness of Querubin’s premises, Diokno pointed out that term limits are necessary in the context of the country’s experience with Marcos’ father,