ANARCHISM IN THE PHILIPPINES

ANARCHISM IN THE PHILIPPINES

Interview with Jong Pairez and Bas Umali

Interview with Jong Pairez and Bas Umali

In the last decade, a remarkably strong anarchist movement seems to have developed in the Philippines.

Can you give us a short overview?

In the last decade, a remarkably strong anarchist movement seems to have developed in the Philippines.

Can you give us a short overview?

Jong: There have been many published writings recently about anarchism in the Philippines, most of which are reflections, as well as prospects toward an alternative form of struggle and organizing that veers away from the traditions of the dominant Philippine Left.

I can mention Bas Umali’s “Archipelagic Confederation” and Marco Cuevas-Hewitt’s “Sketches of an Archipelagic Poetics of Postcolonial Belonging.” Both articles look toward the importance of diversity and decentralized horizontal politics commonly overlooked by a Left that is united with the government in the aim to build a unified nation-state.

As Marco argues, “Nationalism in this sense might even be considered as a kind of ‘internal imperialism.’”¹

Jong ¹

However, amazing theories are not always coherent in praxis.

What I mean is that a movement capable of transmitting an anarchist mindset within various sectors of Philippine society is still in its infant stage.

There are plenty of shortcomings to accept and consider.

But, on the other hand, I see the shortcomings as a positive advantage for the emerging anarchist movement, because it provides us chances to creatively experiment and learn from mistakes.

Are there any historical movements in the Philippines whose politics had, from your perspective, anarchist dimensions?

Are there any historical movements in the Philippines whose politics had, from your perspective, anarchist dimensions?

Jong: Compared to anarchist movements in Europe and East Asia, most especially in Japan, the Philippines has no history of modern anarchist traditions and struggle in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Jong

In the nineteenth century and during the peak of the anticolonial struggle against Spain and American imperialism in the early twentieth century, all revolutionary groups were preoccupied with national liberation.

But according to Benedict Anderson, the author of Under Three Flags, European anarchists had a huge impact on Filipino intellectuals who were students in Madrid.

One of them, José Rizal, wrote novels that were important for the history of the Philippine revolution.