PPG_Democracy-in-the-Philippines PDF

# LESSON 6 Democracy in the Philippines ## Objectives At the end of this lesson, the students should be able to: * Define democracy. * Relate the evolution of Philippine politics and governance. * Describe the different stages in the evolution of the Philippine democratic politics and governance....

# LESSON 6 Democracy in the Philippines ## Objectives At the end of this lesson, the students should be able to: * Define democracy. * Relate the evolution of Philippine politics and governance. * Describe the different stages in the evolution of the Philippine democratic politics and governance. * Analyze the evolution of Philippine democratic politics and governance. ## Introduction The previous lesson focused on the concept of democracy - its definition, origins, and ideal application. This lesson highlights the significant historical events in the Philippines that affected the practice of democracy: the introduction of democracy by Americans, the Martial Law period, and the EDSA Revolution. As in the preceding lesson, this aims to show the students how to be objective in looking at issues. Students should not be easily influenced by what they hear. They should look deeper for facts and consider all possible scenarios and causes before they give their opinions or pass judgments on issues. This lesson deals with the historical aspect and factors that affect politics and governance such as the economy, culture, war, and international events. # Learning Activation In the box below, draw a symbol that is usually associated with democracy. Why is this symbol representative of a democratic government? # Knowledge Acquisition From the Greek words "demos" meaning people, and *“kratein”* meaning to govern or to rule (some would say "kratos" or "kratia" meaning power), democracy or "demokratia" means the rule of the people (Becker & Reveloson, 2008). The basis of power in this system rests upon the people. Democracy has long been exercised in ancient Greece and is now known as the rule of people where the power in government does not emanate from the divine right or any god but from the citizens of the state. The power of people in a democratic society is visible through the observation of freedom of expression, right to equal representation, right to vote for their representatives in government, and right to vote for and against a proposed legislation. Aristotle considered democracy as the corrupt counterpart of the ideal regime of polity but it is still a popular model for government nonetheless. Democracy was introduced in the Philippines during the late nineteenth century following the opening of the country's economy to the world in 1834 and the consequent inflow and outflow of ideas and people along with trade goods. The success of the French Revolution that caused the resurgence of democratic and liberal ideals in Europe reached our shores via trade with other countries and also by the efforts of rich Filipino natives *(ilustrados)* who were able to study abroad. The *(ilustrados)*, through the propaganda movement of Marcelo H. Del Pilar, translated liberal ideas for the Philippines in their hope to achieve reform (Gripaldo et al., 2005). Democracy had great appeal to the Filipinos that it was even adopted by the Kataas-taasan Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK) of Andres Bonifacio. The group encouraged popular democracy within the Katipunan's ranks and it was through this system that the Katipuneros voted for rebellion against Spanish authorities in 1896 (Gripaldo et al., 2005). However, it was during the American period that democracy was used in full extent as a political system. The defeated Spaniards during the Spanish-American War in 1898 sold the Philippines to America but the Filipinos chose to be independent rather than be subjected to another colonialist, thus the Philippine-American War. After three years of fighting, the Filipino revolutionaries surrendered to the American forces. Even during the Philippine-American War, the issue of what to do with the Philippines had been a debate in the United States. Some debated for its annexation as a colony or as a state, while there were also some Americans who preferred the Philippines to be free. Even after taking over the country, the American rule faced stiff opposition from the Filipino revolutionary forces at the turn of the twentieth century. This prompted General Wesley Meritt to issue a declaration on August 14, 1898, that the whole Island would be placed under military rule. To further investigate on the matter, as well as to manage the country under the American rule and system, the United States sent Dr. Jacob Schurman to head the Schurman Commission in 1899 with the basic objectives of establishing the civil government in pacified areas, as well as training and assigning Filipinos in various government positions among others. The Taft Commission under Judge William Howard Taft in 1900 hastened the transition of the government from a revolutionary to a civil and democratic one. The Philippine Organic Act of 1902 created the Philippine Assembly, which acted as the lower house to the Philippine Commission. The offices of the civil governor and vice governor were created to exercise powers of the government but would still be subject to the discretion of the president of the United States of America. Other government offices were also created to manage the country. Following the Great Depression of 1929, as well as the continuing desire for independence among Filipinos, the Americans finally agreed to give the Philippines its freedom. Under the Tydings-McDuffie Act signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Philippines was given a 10-year transition period that came to be known as the Commonwealth. The president of the Philippines would provide an annual report to the president of the United States for the duration of the said period. Filipinos were given the chance to draft the constitution and it was approved by Roosevelt. The 1935 Constitution institutionalized American democracy in the Philippines since it essentially copied provisions from the U.S. Constitution such as the interdependence of the executive, legislative, and judicial departments. Male Filipinos were given the right to vote and in 1935, Manuel L. Quezon emerged victorious over Emilio Aguinaldo and Gregorio Aglipay in the country's first-ever national presidential election. The women in the country were only given the right to vote in 1937. But in 1972, the foundation of democracy in the country was put aside upon the declaration of Martial Law by Ferdinand Marcos Sr. The Constitution was remodeled in 1973 and for a brief period, the country experienced a strict disciplinarian state that controlled the economy, legislation, and the media. Amendment Number 6 ensured that Marcos would retain control over the legislative branch, which was then called the Batasang Pambansa by the 1973 Constitution or the National Assembly per Amendments of the aforementioned Constitution, even after Martial Law was lifted. Amendment Number 6 stipulated that the president may exercise legislative powers when there exists a grave emergency or an imminent threat. It also states that the president may enact laws in case the National Assembly fails to function. Determining whether there is grave and imminent danger and if the National Assembly failed is upon the discretion of the president. Such an amendment to the constitution allowed Marcos to have a foothold of the legislative branch of government which further prevented the legislature's role to check and balance the executive branch. When Ferdinand Marcos Sr. was ousted in 1986 through the success of the EDSA People Power Revolution, Corazon Aquino issued Proclamation No. 3 which suspended the provisions of the 1973 Constitution and established a revolutionary government. This aimed to bring back the observance and respect to human rights, as well as recover the ill-gotten wealth of the former regime, and eradicate the corrupt institutions established by Marcos. It also authorized the writing of a new constitution that had safeguards against potential abuses, especially on the provisions regarding the declaration of another Martial Law. It can be argued that the 1987 Constitution helped reinstate democracy in the country. It can be seen in the events that transpired that democratic government, in spite of the appeal of its ideals to the reformists and revolutionaries, was a foreign concept either adopted or imposed by the colonizers (Bello & Gershman, 1990). Colonial experience always favored the rich, the landed elites, businessmen, and former royalties in government positions that they were able to adapt the rules mostly to their favor (Bello & Gershman, 1990). The results are constant shifting of alliances, political appointments as rewards to allies, policies that enrich their businesses, and other privileges while the poor majority are given an "illusion of choice" or the idea that they are voting for new leaders, but in fact, they are just choosing among limited elite candidates and parties (Bello & Gershman, 1990). Aside from Ferdinand Marcos Sr. authoritarian rule and abuse of the provisions of Martial Law as stated in the 1935 Constitution, one of the challenges to Philippine democracy, which is persistent until today, is the issue of political dynasties. The issue of political families dominating the political scene in the Philippines can actually be rooted far into the country's history. The datu class in the early Philippines gained power not only by their lineage, but also by their influence and prestige. Thus, it was important for datus to maintain their wealth. The datu or timawa class would be reclassified as principalias during the Spanish period and would play an essential part in the colonial government acting mostly as *cabezas de barangay*. Most principalias would preserve their wealth and influence into the nineteenth century where, along with a new emerging principalia or the Chinese-Mestizo families, they were able to take advantage of the various economic and educational reforms of the time. By the time of the Americans, individuals with elite backgrounds and were able to avail of higher education were prioritized in the forming of the First Philippine Assembly, thus, institutionalizing a trend in Philippine democracy that will persist through time. To discuss the effects of political dynasties in the Philippines, students may consult the article "Political dynasties, democratic decay in the Philippines" by Michael Henry Yusingco which was published online in Asia Times on September 26, 2019. It is, therefore, a challenge to every generation of leaders and voters to actively study and participate in political and social issues and recreate the system into something better. # Skills Application Compare and contrast the provisions regarding Martial Law in the 1935 Constitution and the 1987 Constitution. What situation necessitates the declaration of Martial Law? Are the situations clearly stated or vague? On the other hand, how does each of the constitutions prevent the abuse of Martial Law? Which constitution is more prone to abuse? You may place your answers in the table below. | **1935 Constitution** | **1987 Constitution** | |---|---| | Basis for the declaration of Martial Law: | Basis for the declaration of Martial Law: | | Safeguards to prevent abuse: | Safeguards to prevent abuse: | # Lesson Assessment Connect column A to column B, then column B to column C. Write the letters of your answer in the space provided. | **A** | **B** | **C** | |---|---|---| | 1. 1896 Philippine Revolution | a. Edsa People Power Revolution | a. Philippine Assembly | | 2. 1935 Constitution | b. 1972 Constitution | b. Ferdinand Marcos Sr.| | 3. Taft Commission | c. Commonwealth | c. Corazon Aquino | | 4.1987 Constitution | d. KKK | d. Andres Bonifacio | | 5. 1971 Martial Law declaration | e. Philippine Organic Act | e. Manuel L. Quezon |