The Tampoy ancestral house of the De Leon clan in Malolos
yesterday, February 16, 2014, became the venue of the clan’s first-ever reunion
based on participation. The gathering was made up of 3 surviving generations
and attended by over 100 relatives. The clan is recorded to start from Anastacio
de Leon or “Inkong Tasio”, my great-grandfather.
What caught my particular attention was the revelation of a
senior member that my grandfather, the first mayor of Malolos of the Philippine
republic, a lawyer, who had the code-name “Bagwis” in the anti-friar movement, advised
his children to take up any academic pursuit, except law. When asked by a
youngster why, she said she was not told why, but was met by some comments from
the same youngsters: “corruption”.
A quick survey of the attendees high-lighted the absence of
lawyers and politicians in our clan. Of course, I discount the possible
presence of non-direct descendant of the clan, who may have been married into
the clan.
Briefly, this wake-up call explains why I did not know until
recently about political dynasties and the fortunes attached to being in one. It also explains why the clan is enjoying
coming home together in the my grandfather’s preserved house, because among us
we did not have mansions that may only embarrass us in explaining how they were
acquired. It also explains why 20 percent of the “parenting age” have migrated.
I also understand now why political dynasties are built, and
the resistance to any enabling law that will stop or at least moderate dynasty
building.
For better insight, click on
http://www.philstar.com/opinion/2014/02/17/1291262/where-our-taxes-go
