Philippine democracy: just a mirage?

In the 300 years the Philippines was under Spanish rule, democracy was an alien concept. It was transplanted to our shores by our American colonizers. It began to take root and grow in time after the Philippines was “granted” independence after World War II. Decades later, martial law was declared and the Marcos dictatorship perverted the concept of democracy. The Edsa Revolution in 1986 reestablished democracy in our country, but only time and history can tell if what was restored then was authentic or merely a mirage.

What have we got to show for it? To this day, there is widespread corruption, social injustice and violence.

Too much power is concentrated on the executive branch, distorting the doctrine of checks and balances. The seat of government is too remote for most of the Filipino people—alienating them from governance and robbing them of their rights as government stakeholders.

Political elites reign supreme. They disregard the rule of law and the principles of democracy. Political patronage erodes real citizen participation in democratic processes. The markets are widely dominated by oligarchs and their allies. It is often unattractive to prospective newcomers, preventing healthy competition and economic progress. Ethnic and religious minorities are not provided with a fair share of political, legal and economic power resources.

As it is right now, the Philippines does not have a reliable economic, social and political framework that would enable it to implement strictly its laws—and the lack of this infrastructure promotes a society of unequal opportunities.

And yet, we boast that Philippine democracy is the oldest and freest in Asia.

The Centrist Democratic philosophy is anchored on “Human Dignity.” This is our core value: an inherent right to be regarded with respect, to be treated and accepted as an equal, and to have equal access to the basic needs to live a decent life.

Political, economic and social order must be so logically designed that the dignity of each person is protected and promoted.

An atmosphere of freedom is a prerequisite upon which human dignity is enhanced. Self-determination by each individual—an essential component—is the impetus for collective expression toward the development of a just society.

These guiding principles can best be implemented through the concepts of a representative democracy based on strong, program-oriented political parties: a decentralized state structure with regional autonomy and local self-government; a “Social Market Economy” with a well-functioning open market, protected by a strong state, with a social security system in place; and a viable, dynamic program for environment protection and sustainability.

—JACKYLEN DELA PEÑA,

secretary general,

Centrist Democratic Party of the Philippines,

2/F MILLE Building, 335-337 Gil Puyat Ave.

corner Dominga St., Pasay City