Meanings
- PhilippinePhilippinesuncountablegovernmentcorruption involving patronage, nepotism and favoritism, especially in politics and government
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.
1988, Tomas Quintin D. Andres, Negotiating by Filipino Values2 more examples
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 ...
1969, Benicio T. Catapusan, Flora E. Diaz-Catapusan, Philippine ProblemsThe 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 […]
2005, Warayuth Sriwarakuel, Cultural Traditions and Contemporary Challenges in Southeast Asia: Hindu and Buddhist, CRVP, →ISBN, page 296
Origin
From Tagalog padrino (“godfather”) + system, alluding to the compadrazgo system practiced by Filipino families.
Full word history & related roots →Cite this entry
padrino system. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/padrino%20system
“padrino system.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/padrino%20system. Accessed November 5, 2026.
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “padrino system,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/padrino%20system.
Source: padrino system on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.