Does democracy work in the Philippines?

Abstract

With lucid and alarming candor, the author cites unconscious habits and attitudes, as well as powerful social forces, that resist the growth of democracy here. He reveals the immaturity of our people in many significant ways and feels that democracy doesn’t work in the Philippines because it can’t. However, he says that if our people and institutions are honest enough to recognize and admit the serious shortcomings, then there might be hope. Otherwise, he views, with characteristic mordancy, that the deepening shadows of authoritarianism will continue to lengthen. Evolution as an engine of change, rather than armed revolution, might be the way out, provided our society can wake up and be resilient to transform its present undemocratic spirit.

To the question—Does democracy work in the Philippines?— the answer could well be yes and no, probably more no than yes. Or a better answer might be, superficially yes. And very seriously, no. If the question were phrased differently—“Can democracy work here?” — the answer would have to deal with the ability and power of the people to make it work. That ability and that power are shaped and limited by the framework of the prevailing institutions. Therefore, the answer in essence could well be the same, “Democracy doesn’t work here because it can’t.” It can’t, because of the character of the framework.