padrino system

English

Etymology

From Tagalog padrino (“godfather”) +‎ system, alluding to the compadrazgo system practiced by Filipino families.

Noun

padrino system (uncountable)

1. (Philippines, Philippine politics) corruption involving patronage, nepotism and favoritism, especially in politics and government
   • 1969, Benicio T. Catapusan, Flora E. Diaz-Catapusan, Philippine Problems:

     The Padrino System. The padrino plays an Important role in the Filipino family system. A padrino or godfather and a madrina or godmother for the child are chosen by the parents. A godparent should have several qualities. He should be of ...

   • 1988, Tomas Quintin D. Andres, Negotiating by Filipino Values:

     At least 70% of the respondents acknowledged the existence of the "padrino system" in the company. This padrino or compadre system is a Filipino value which is very common.

   • 2005, Warayuth Sriwarakuel, Cultural Traditions and Contemporary Challenges in Southeast Asia: Hindu and Buddhist, CRVP, →ISBN, page 296:

     The padrino system came into extensive play, although corruption in government was minimal. During this period the padrino system became a source of strength for survival: from the perspective of the Filipino people it became an instrument […]