A friend messaged me today and asked for my opinion on the major problem of the democratic system in the Philippines and how it could be solved.
I got this in the middle of enrolling my girl in school because classes are starting soon. I was eager to answer it quickly, but I wanted to make sure my answer is something that is well-thought of.
For me, the “Democratic” system of the Philippines is just a mere description that does not hold water.
I honestly think that even before and after the Marcos dictatorship, it is still inappropriate for us to say/claim that our country’s system is now “democratic”. Our democracy is not properly functioning, and this flaw until today makes us only partly free.
It is important for us, Filipinos, to understand our history so as to understand why we have been living in a failed democracy. The Philippines was the first colony of the US in Asia. Its colonization has influenced the country in so many ways, even as to how Philippine democracy was established.
The Americans tried to make a good image by helping the Philippines institute a “better” political system, believing that Filipinos at the time of their colonization were not knowledgeable yet in their governance.
In their efforts to help, they incorporated features in the Philippine political system that were copied from their system. Example of which is the separation of powers in the executive, legislative and judiciary branches of the government.
However, instead of improving the stability of Philippines’ democracy, their introduction of such a kind of government led to the formation of elite hegemony, rise of violent guerillas and communist parties that opposed elite dominance. It has also led to a large divide between wealthy landlords and peasants alienated the poor, uneducated families from participation in the political systems.
Our “democratic” system is continuously marked by elite dominance and sustained corrupt practices, especially during elections. Moneyed candidates are the only ones who can afford political machineries, buy votes and do everything else they want. Hence, they win! We always have seated antidemocratic leaders who claim to represent the large population but are actually fraud!
Their intent for extravagant spending during the campaign then manifests when they are already seated because they get back the amount they have spent, instead of spending the government money for the people.
This has barred access of the poor and uneducated to institutions which are supposed to uphold and protect their democratic rights, this has been happening repeatedly, over and over again! In fact, this is already a perennial problem in the Philippines!
Having experienced significant wealth inequality and corruption for several decades, the Filipinos already have democratic fatigue. We no longer have a strong and meaningful presence and participation in the democratic process. Actually, I will not be surprised if one day we will all lose interest to still bother to believe our government leaders.
Now, if there are still concerned leaders around, they need to be serious in establishing substantial reforms in our legal system that will impose more severe penalties for corruption and at least open new avenues for the Filipino mass.
Photos from Pixabay edited with Pic Collage.