Magisterial Lectures | Carmel V Abao PhD - Is Democracy the Solution or the Problem?

Summary

The speaker reflects on the 35th anniversary of the 1986 People Power Revolution in the Philippines, expressing frustration with the current state of democracy. Despite the revolution's success in ending the Marcos dictatorship and securing political freedoms, the speaker questions why issues like political prisoners, extrajudicial killings, poverty, and inequality persist. They explore the relationship between democracy and development, arguing that the problem lies not in democracy itself but in its flawed implementation, which has been captured by elites. The speaker calls for a transformation of democratic practices to ensure that democracy works for all citizens.

Takeaways

• 📅 Reflecting on the 1986 EDSA Revolution, the speaker questions why political prisoners and extrajudicial killings still persist after 35 years.
• 🤔 The speaker is frustrated with the current state of democracy in the Philippines, questioning why issues like poverty and violence still exist.
• 🏛️ The lecture explores the evolution of democracy, referencing ancient Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle, who criticized democracy.
• 📜 The speaker discusses the 17th-century social contract theorists, such as John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who emphasized people's rights and consent in governance.
• 🌍 The speaker connects the rise of authoritarian populism globally to the failure of democracy to deliver development for all.
• 📈 The first view on democracy and development by Adrian Leftwich argues that democratic institutions often resist change and are captured by elites.
• 📖 The second view by Amartya Sen posits that democracy is essential for development and must involve citizens in decision-making processes.
• 🇵🇭 Nathan Quimpo's view emphasizes the need for a non-elite, non-mainstream opposition to make democracy more effective in the Philippines.
• ⚖️ The speaker argues that the problem lies not in democracy itself but in the practice of democracy in the Philippines, which has been captured by elites.
• 🔄 The solution proposed is to transform democratic practices, involve citizens in governance, and build institutions that hold leaders accountable.

Q & A

What was the main motivation for people participating in the EDSA People Power Revolution?

People participated in the EDSA People Power Revolution because they were fed up with the abusive and corrupt Marcos dictatorship.

What was the role of the student organization 'Lina Bilango' during the EDSA People Power Revolution?

The student organization 'Lina Bilango' focused on helping political prisoners.

What freedoms were fought for and won during the EDSA People Power Revolution?

The right to express political beliefs without fear of being penalized was one of the key freedoms fought for and won during the EDSA People Power Revolution.

Why is the speaker frustrated 35 years after the EDSA People Power Revolution?

The speaker is frustrated because there are still political prisoners, many unexplained deaths, and ongoing issues such as extrajudicial killings and the presence of the Marcos family in important government positions.

What are some of the societal issues highlighted by the speaker 35 years after the EDSA People Power Revolution?

The speaker highlights issues such as more than 20% of Filipinos living below the poverty threshold, 3.8 million Filipinos being unemployed, and 10.8 million being underemployed.

What historical perspectives on democracy does the speaker mention?

The speaker mentions perspectives from Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle, social contract theorists like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and conservative thinkers like Edmund Burke and Alexis de Tocqueville.

What is the trend of 'authoritarian populism' discussed by the speaker?

The trend of 'authoritarian populism' involves leaders like Trump, Erdogan, Orban, Bolsonaro, Modi, and Duterte who utilize democratic institutions to spread disinformation, crush dissent, and perpetuate themselves in power.

What is Amartya Sen's view on the relationship between democracy and development?

Amartya Sen views democracy as a prerequisite for development, arguing that political freedoms are crucial for expressing and fulfilling economic needs.

According to the speaker, what is the problem with the practice of democracy in the Philippines?

The problem with the practice of democracy in the Philippines is that it has been captured by the elite few, failing to distribute power and wealth, and disempowering citizens by making them reliant on patronage.

What solution does the speaker propose for improving democracy in the Philippines?

The speaker proposes transforming democratic practices to make them work for everyone, unlearning certain notions about democracy, and building institutions and communities that hold leaders accountable and empower citizens.