Independent, adaptable and coherent political institutions

Political development requires the people’s empowerment—the ability to shape the government’s views and their institutions’ ability to accommodate these views. For people to participate in politics, an enabling environment and an effective venue must be in place. To work for the people, institutions need autonomy, adaptability and coherence.

Aware of national and local affairs, Filipinos actively engage in political processes. Apathy is decried often enough that indifference is not a norm. More than spectators, politically aware and active Filipinos mobilize into action. Our vibrant civil society is testament to this.

When ostensibly independent institutions are captured by political demands, they are a futile venue for people’s participation. Political capture is not a given—in some ways, the decisive stands of President Duterte on law and order, governance, and the economy have even fueled some institutions to better protect their autonomy.

Adaptability can be seen in how open institutions are to new blood. The achievements of the 1986 Edsa Revolution were weakened by lingering traditional politicians and dynasties at all levels of government. An institution becomes more than an individual when changes in leadership occur and produce results. In this respect, many institutions only subsist.

Finally, political squabbling or incoherence weakens institutions and renders them ineffective in making decisions. The predominance of vested interests is a divisive element, because it limits decision-making to the few.

The case of environmental governance. A lack of coherence is demonstrated in the situation in which the Department of Environment and Natural Resources finds itself over mining. Mr. Duterte’s appointment of a proclaimed environmentalist as secretary was welcomed by many corners of Philippine society. Unfortunately, Secretary Gina Lopez has failed to differentiate her antimining sentiments from her responsibility to be an impartial regulator, opening the door for unproductive divisiveness.

As a result, stakeholders are debating whether the wholesale closure orders and cancellation of mining agreements are actions fit for an environment secretary, and are less focused on how responsible mining can be done. Worse, there is an apparent conflict within the DENR, as its Mines and Geosciences Bureau was reportedly left out of these decisions.

Reform-minded administration? President Duterte could inspire Filipinos toward more political engagement, and he could fuel momentum to implement and achieve much needed reforms. In having achieved greater political awareness, however, the government must ensure there are channels for people’s empowerment.

Empowerment will be felt when institutions are strengthened in fulfilling their purposes and accommodating the active citizenry.

How the DENR resolves the mining issue will be an important test of that institution’s ability to fulfill its responsibilities and improve its coherence. Through this process, the long and winding road will lead us to political development.

Dindo Manhit is president of Stratbase ADR Institute.