All in the family: Philippine dynasties tighten grip on power

Michael Marcos Keon, a mayor and cousin of Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr, presidential candidate and son of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, speaking during an interview with AFP at the city hall in Laoag. - AFP

LAOAG,, Philippines (AFP): If the son of former Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos wins the May 9 presidential election, he will not be the only Marcos currently in power -- and will almost certainly not be the last.

Elite families have long ruled the poverty-ravaged nation, holding on to positions of power for generations by dishing out favours, buying votes or resorting to violence.