This is regarding Edilberto de Jesus’ “How Democracies Die” (5/19/18).
I do not think there is such a thing as Philippine democracy.
In a democracy, government officials are elected freely by the people, not through coercion or mangled votes. Impeachable officials are removed from office through an impeachment process.
But in the Philippines these two paramount criteria are observed more in breach, rather than in obeisance.
Joseph Estrada was popularly elected by the people but he was removed from office, not through impeachment, because some were not enamored with him as president.
Fernando Poe Jr. was a very popular figure but he sorely “lost” in areas where he was touted to win. Some were not impressed with Poe enough to elect him as chief executive. Nevertheless, he was the choice of the majority of voters.
What we have is feudalism disguised as “democracy” to please the colonial masters.
I hold the view that there is no “democracy” that will “die” in our land. In the first place, there is no democracy to speak of.
BOB GABUNA, bob.gabuna@gmail.com