THE PUZZLE OF PHILIPPINE DEMOCRACY Five Ways To Truly Democratize the Philippines 1.

To shift from Popularity to Programmatic Politics Even if we have a technically democratic form of government, political power is still concentrated in the hands of the few who controls both political connections and material resources as to the case of local landlords, political dynasties, and corporatists. This is brought by the fact that the practice of election in the country happens to be determined by popularity. As we adhere to the first past the post system of election, whoever gets the highest number of votes becomes elected. Hence, only the popular or the renowned wins and to become popular, those who have grasp of resources use their wealth to increase their popularity. In line with this, there is a need to strengthen party politics in our country wherein party principles and platforms become the determinants in the competitive election and not personalities. In this case as well, those who are able and competent public servants can participate and have great chance of being elected as the competition is based on what the person proposes for the voters. 2. To establish a balance in economic decision making between the government and business sector As our country gears toward liberalization of the market and capitalism, the big corporations and owners of large scale businesses have come to accumulate power in society and have acquired a direct say in economic management. It led to the concentration of wealth to the upper class and the exploitation of the lower class. Even if they say that the economic indicators are developing, it seems that only the wealthy ones experience improvement and this is against the principle of democracy. Economic decision making should be shared both by the producers and consumers. There is a need to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor and lessen the economic division. To establish equilibrium, the public should have considerable input in economic policies and gains. This would be manifested if the government which represents the public has power over businesses than the other way around. 3. To intensify the participation of civil society in governance Democracy would be despotism if only the government has the monopoly of power and responsibility. It is already proven that government with too much power tends to abuse. It is also realized that the government cannot do all by itself the delivery of basic social services. Hence, the civil society should be a partner of the government in fulfilling its functions. A participative civil society also facilitates effective public administration as the government will clearly grasp what the people need and what is best for their welfare. 4. To widen the representation and participation of various ethnic groups and specific sectors A democratic culture is a culture of pluralism and equity within and between cultures. Hence, no cultural group should be above or more powerful than the others. There should be an equality of treatment. An environment of free thinking and respect of identities regardless of race, ethnicity, religion and ideology should be promoted in our country. Everyone should have the freedom to practice ones

culture without fear. This can be achieved if avenues for participation in politics and governance should be as inclusive as possible. Equitable representation of ethnic groups should also be demonstrated in the policy making bodies of the State.

5. To evolve a political system or form of government that is suitable to Filipino identity and culture The Philippine culture is a damaged culture. We have come to adopt everything that is foreign at the expense of breaking from our traditional identity. As a result, almost all our institutions are foreign to us. We cannot relate to these institutions. Moreover, it became incompatible to the diversity that our country is characterized of. These do not meet our needs. Therefore, there is a need to pattern a political system that is appropriate to our nation. Democracy is not adopting the democratic procedures per se but creating a culture of equality in representation, participation, thinking, and access to resources as well as services.