In Metro Manila, political dynasties clash from within and between themselves

MANILA, Philippines – Family conflicts are a familiar narrative in the Philippines, often centered around inheritance disputes. 

Whether it’s your own experience or that of someone you know, many families find themselves embroiled in battles over land and assets. In Filipino telenovelas, we see family members competing for control of the family business.

For political dynasties, however, the stakes are even higher — the fight is for the seat of power.

Maintaining a healthy relationship with in-laws can be challenging for some and this is something the Binays of Makati can relate to.

Term-limited Senator Nancy Binay is going head-to-head against her brother-in-law, Makati 2nd District Representative Luis Campos, for the mayoral seat in the 2025 elections.

Campos’ mayoral bid is supported by his wife incumbent Mayor Abby Binay, who has a strained relationship with her siblings.

Nancy appears to see Campos as an outsider in the family.

When asked why people should vote for her, Nancy said that she is presenting herself as an option and it depends on the public on whether or not they want continue the Binay family’s brand of public service, which was initiated by her father Jejomar. The patriarch, Jojo Binay, had been vice president from 2010 to 2016 and before that, Makati mayor for nine years starting 2001.

“Does it mean that other camp’s (Campos) brand of service is different from Binay?” a reporter asked. 

Nancy avoided answering directly. She instead highlighted her roots in Makati as an advantage over her brother-in-law, who according to her, only moved to the city after marrying her sister, Abby. 

Nancy’s mayoral bid was supported by her father. (READ: The Tragedy of Jejomar Binay)

To further fan the flames, Campos has forged an alliance with Congressman Kid Peña, a former political enemy of the Binay family — particularly the elder Binay. Peña is now running as Campos’ vice mayor. 

In their 2016 mayoral race, Abby locked horns with Peña. She narrowly defeated Peña, securing 160,320 votes against Peña’s 142,257.

Peña also had a bitter electoral battle with Jojo Binay in 2019, when he (Peña) won the Makati congressional seat by just 5,806 votes. Jojo