The human mind desires it so: that in some glorious day in the history of this country, the entire population, or, at least, a subset large enough to elect a government, will vote with the head. Issues will prevail over popularity, the principle rather than the person, his platform of government rather than how magnificent he can stand on one.

That's bunk.

Feudalism is a very dramatic part of the history of a country and the mire in which we find ourselves today.

Our relationships are still incredibly medieval: if you need seeds for the farm or money for matriculation for a child, for christenings, burials, weddings, pumunta ka sa ‘Bahay na Malaki’; entire townships can be promised and delivered to lords running for office; a congressman without pork barrel is considered an absurdity, for he loses nobility and kingship while the governor's clout is multiplied.  

While unsubtle and more palpable in the countryside, the feudal state of mind, ways and means hold sway over the city, too.

An employee solicits his immediate supervisor to stand as godfather to his child. He will remember, as every proper vassal will, to bring gifts once in a while. The fief is employment, and, soon enough, homage and fealty are pled, and the supervisor becomes liege lord, godfather and protector of an entire family. The owner or president of a company has but to proclaim his preference for a candidate and, tacitly, a decree is given. The wage slave's loyalty is assumed, his personal choice abandoned.  

The “living room of the country” that is the Makati business district cannot disguise the nature of our economic structure, the sounds of chic and culture cannot drown out the groans of our poor.  

“You can take the boy out of the country, but you can't take the feudal out of the boy.”

Simply stated, the feudalistic nature of our society puts the lord/godfather/
candidate on the pedestal. The Filipino's vote is obligated, surrendered, or promised by local lords. He looks to these big people to care for him and family, as feudal kings are expected to. Fealty, regionalism, kinship, present or possible employment for any member of the family are paramount considerations. Danding, who is perhaps the perfect representation of the feudal lord, is not just “The Boss”, his people will die for him.