Why The Philippines Failed Democracy

Summary

The Philippines is one of the first Asian nations to embrace democracy, influenced by U.S. colonization. Despite adopting democratic principles, the country faced deep socio-economic divides and political instability, which hindered true democratic development. Leaders like Ramon Magsaysay sought reforms, but dictators like Ferdinand Marcos and persistent political dynasties challenged progress. Economic disparity and crony capitalism remain significant issues today. While democracy has faced struggles, many argue it is a better alternative to monarchy, and political reforms are crucial for the Philippines' future development.

Takeaways

• 🌏 The Philippines is recognized as the first republic in Asia and one of the first to adopt democratic principles.
• 🏛️ The adoption of democracy was a significant shift from the traditional monarchies and colonial powers that dominated Asia at the time.
• 🌳 The United States' influence was pivotal in establishing democracy in the Philippines, aiming to create a stable political environment conducive to economic development.
• 📊 Democratic governance was expected to bring transparency, reduce corruption, and ensure the rule of law, which are essential for protecting property rights and enforcing contracts.
• 🔄 The initial benefits of the American system were mostly seen by the elite and educated Filipinos, with 'Filipinization' later allowing the local elite to take over administrative positions.
• 🏆 The Philippine Commonwealth, established in 1935, was structured with a bicameral system similar to the United States, featuring a Senate and House of Representatives.
• 🚩 For many Filipinos, democracy was reduced to periodic elections, with colonial authorities ensuring that only candidates representing their interests won.
• 🛑 The practice of political patronage undermined the integrity and effectiveness of public institutions, including the military, by prioritizing loyalty over merit.
• 📉 Despite the form of democracy, the Philippines struggled with a divide between the elite and the poor, which hindered the effective implementation of democratic principles.
• 🔄 Post-independence, the Philippines faced challenges such as the Hukbalahap movement and political instability, which further threatened its democratic institutions.
• 🔄 The presidency of Ferdinand Marcos, marked by martial law and the suppression of democratic institutions, represents a dark period in the country's democratic journey.
• 🔄 The persistence of political dynasties and economic inequality in the Philippines indicates that democracy has not fully addressed the divide between the elite and the masses.

Q & A

Why is the Philippines considered the first republic in Asia?

The Philippines is considered the first republic in Asia because it was one of the first Asian countries to adopt democratic principles during a time when most Asian countries were under traditional monarchies or colonial powers.

How did the United States influence the establishment of democracy in the Philippines?

The United States influenced the establishment of democracy in the Philippines by introducing democratic principles after colonizing the country in 1898. They initially planned to gradually grant self-determination as the Filipino population adopted these principles.

What was the significance of the 'Filipinization' policy in 1917?

The 'Filipinization' policy in 1917 allowed the Filipino elite to take over positions from departing Americans, marking a shift towards self-governance and the adoption of democratic principles by the local population.

What was the structure of the Philippine government under the 1935 constitution?

The 1935 constitution established a government structured with two legislative chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives, patterned after the United States bicameral system.

How did the colonial authorities manipulate the democratic process in the Philippines?

The colonial authorities manipulated the democratic process by ensuring that only candidates representing colonial interests won elections, which persisted as a political order even after independence.

What was the role of General Douglas MacArthur in the establishment of the Philippine military?

General Douglas MacArthur was hired by President Manuel Quezon to establish the Philippine military, using the Swiss army and the US military academy at West Point as models.

How did political patronage undermine democratic principles in the Philippines?

Political patronage undermined democratic principles by prioritizing loyalty over merit in military appointments and other public institutions, leading to a lack of integrity and effectiveness.

Why did democracy struggle in the Philippines according to the 1992 paper mentioned in the script?

According to the 1992 paper, democracy struggled in the Philippines because there was a significant divide between the elite and the poor, and foreign models were imposed without considering the local context.

What challenges did Philippine democracy face after gaining independence in 1946?

After gaining independence in 1946, Philippine democracy faced challenges such as a divide between the elite and the poor, political instability, and the rise of insurgencies like the Hukbalahap movement.

How did Ramon Magsaysay attempt to restore faith in democracy and the electoral system?

Ramon Magsaysay, as defense secretary, used the military to ensure the 1951 elections were fair, considered the fairest in Philippine history, and reformed the military with US assistance to defeat the Hukbalahap movement.

What was the impact of Ferdinand Marcos' rule on Philippine democracy?

Ferdinand Marcos' rule undermined Philippine democracy by using the military extensively in his re-election campaign, declaring martial law in 1972, disbanding congress, outlawing political parties, and suspending civil rights.

How have political dynasties affected the Philippines' democracy and economic development?

Political dynasties have perpetuated inequality and concentrated power among the elite, hindering both democratic development and economic growth that could benefit the broader population.