FEU Public Intellectual Lecture Series | Prof. Rommel Banlaoi and Prof. Herman Kraft | Part 2

Summary

The discussion explores the complexities of President Duterte's governance, highlighting the disconnect between the government and ordinary people, particularly in conflict areas like Mindanao. The conversation critiques the administration’s reliance on martial law and authoritarian governance to address urgent problems, raising concerns about the long-term impact on democratic institutions. Additionally, the dialogue examines the concentration of power within the executive branch and its effects on both domestic governance and international relations, particularly with China, the U.S., and Japan. The securitization of various issues and the government’s pragmatic foreign policy are key themes in the analysis.

Takeaways

• 😀 The disconnect between governance and the people, especially in Mindanao, leaves citizens vulnerable to recruitment by armed groups, creating a vicious cycle of insecurity and resistance.
• 😀 The government is often slow to act, particularly in addressing urgent issues like Marawi's rehabilitation, whereas armed groups act quickly, further complicating governance and security.
• 😀 Martial law, as introduced under Duterte, is seen as a shortcut for the government to address urgent issues, bypassing normal political processes in favor of emergency measures.
• 😀 The reliance on authoritarian measures like martial law stems from a lack of trust in the capacity of normal political mechanisms to deliver timely solutions, creating a trend of treating issues as crises.
• 😀 Duterte’s administration is driven by short-term gains to maintain popularity, often disregarding the long-term consequences of centralizing power and undermining democratic processes.
• 😀 Populist governance in the Duterte administration has focused on quick fixes for pressing issues like crime and security, which increases his popularity but risks weakening democratic institutions.
• 😀 The government uses the rhetoric of 'securitization' to justify an expansion of state power, often turning non-crisis situations into emergencies that require extraordinary measures.
• 😀 Duterte’s leadership is marked by a centralization of power, particularly in the executive branch, which diminishes the role of other democratic institutions like the judiciary and legislature.
• 😀 Duterte’s foreign policy has been pragmatic, balancing relationships with major powers like China and the U.S., while also engaging with smaller ASEAN states. This has allowed the Philippines to maintain a strategic position in international relations.
• 😀 Despite international concerns over Duterte's authoritarian style, his government has maintained strong diplomatic ties with countries like China, Russia, and the U.S., playing a careful balancing game on the world stage.

Q & A

What is the main challenge discussed regarding the disconnect between the government and ordinary people?

The main challenge discussed is the disconnect between governance and the people, particularly in regions like Mindanao. This disconnection leads to insecurity and vulnerability, making people more susceptible to joining armed groups. As a result, the government faces escalating threats that grow faster than their ability to respond, justifying the implementation of martial law.

How do armed groups' actions contribute to the government's response in Mindanao?

Armed groups in Mindanao act quickly, recruiting fighters faster than the government can rebuild affected areas. For example, in the aftermath of Marawi, the government's slow bureaucratic processes have not been able to address the situation effectively, while armed groups are able to recruit new members within the same timeframe, leading to further conflict.

What role does martial law play in the government's strategy?

Martial law, particularly during President Duterte’s administration, is seen as a response to urgent problems that the government believes normal political processes cannot solve quickly enough. The government resorts to martial law as a 'shortcut' to address crises such as the rehabilitation of Marawi, which has been delayed by bureaucracy.

Why is there a tendency to treat normal governance issues as crises?

The Duterte administration's tendency to treat normal governance issues as crises is due to a loss of trust in traditional political processes. The government prioritizes urgent, short-term solutions, such as emergency powers and martial law, over long-term, sustainable political reforms, as seen in the handling of issues like traffic and inflation.

What are the potential long-term risks of the current government’s approach?

The long-term risks include the erosion of democratic institutions, the strengthening of authoritarian tendencies, and the undermining of government capacity to address issues through normal governance processes. While short-term gains may be achieved, the absence of sustainable governance reforms could have negative implications for democratic processes in the future.

How does the Duterte administration's popularity influence its governance approach?

The administration’s popularity, especially among marginalized groups, influences its governance approach by reinforcing the idea that authoritarian measures are justified to address immediate problems. However, this popularity is based on short-term solutions and does not address long-term structural issues, raising concerns about the sustainability of such policies.

What is the concern regarding the centralization of power in the executive branch?

The centralization of power in the executive branch, particularly under Duterte, poses a threat to democratic checks and balances. The concentration of power in the presidency and the military could lead to an erosion of democratic norms, with the executive overriding institutional mechanisms designed to ensure accountability and transparency.

How does Duterte’s approach to foreign relations differ from his internal governance strategy?

Duterte’s foreign relations strategy is pragmatic, balancing relationships with major powers like the US and China while also engaging smaller ASEAN states. Unlike his internal governance, which leans toward centralization and authoritarian measures, his foreign policy seeks to maximize benefits from both sides, playing major powers against each other to the Philippines’ advantage.

How does Duterte balance relations with the US and China despite their conflicting interests?

Duterte navigates the tension between the US and China by maintaining friendly relations with both. While his administration has shifted towards China in some respects, it continues to maintain strong ties with the US, which provides military aid and exercises. This approach is seen as pragmatic, allowing the Philippines to gain advantages from both powers while keeping diplomatic relations balanced.

What impact does Duterte's leadership have on the Philippines' international relations with authoritarian states?

Duterte’s leadership is well-received by authoritarian states, including Russia, China, and several ASEAN countries, which share similar governance styles. These states appreciate Duterte’s strongman leadership and view his approach to governance as effective. However, this has led to concerns from democratic countries, particularly in the West, about the Philippines' commitment to democratic values.