Philippine Democracy Online

  By Menelito Mansueto I am tempted to say that some Manila-based scholars have a biased view against a leader like Duterte. But I have personally known a few who are supportive of the former President. I prefer to believe that some people are in what is called an echo chamber. Most critics of Duterte have either a left-leaning bias or a Catholic faith-centered bias. Journalists who believe in their fellow journalists’ views are also the ones who tend to critique the Dutertes. Ironically, they also believe in fabricated lies and biases. What is even more ironic is that those who tend to shut down other people’s opinions concerning their political choices claim to be a proponent of democracy. Yet, they could not tolerate opinions that are different from theirs. They have become egotistically self-centered, like Protagoras, thinking they are the measure of all things. Or perhaps their metropolitan position has given them the guts to feel like they are at the center of the world. Dute...

By Oliver Perater Just recently, I encountered the term ‘Aestheticizing Politics’ in the work of Walter Benjamin, The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction. It means making political actions seem as if they are works of art. Benjamin warns us of the tendency of the ruling class and elitist educators to aestheticize politics, making politics a spectacle to manipulate the masses. Aestheticizing politics is one of the best means of the ruling class to maintain hegemony which is necessary to stay in power. It shows to the oppressed the elegance and grandeur of the political theater and distracts them from seeing the power structure that dominates society and the global order. Duterte’s trial in ICC has been subjected to aestheticizing by some elitist educators, some politicians, and mass media to support the ruling class they probably and ambitiously aspire to join. They invoke a magnificent notion of elegance, solemnity, and majesty, trying to present the ICC rituals as if the...

By Leo Lusañez When I was in AdDU, I was surrounded by people who had ideals. Feminists, activists, progressives, student council participants, even firebrands and agitators who have, at some point, probably considered climbing up the nearby mountains to rebel against a government so endlessly beset by corruption and drama. Admittedly, I was one of them. Not the "climb a mountain" sort, thank God, but I certainly had fire. Despite my timidity and stage fright, I proudly identified myself as a liberal and was even accused of being too Westernized by some of my classmates - and fairly enough, because I eagerly read Western thinkers at the expense of my own heritage. I did well in school - not well enough to march with the cum laudes, but I did well all the same, considering my interests laid elsewhere. I was certainly no reject with no critical thought - I can assure you of that. And like many of them, I obsessed about shaping the whole world. As I grew up, I noticed that while...

  By Dr. Godiva Eviota-Rivera President Rodrigo Duterte’s language speaks for our struggles that have been silenced for a very long time, a deafening kind of silence caused by the oligarchs and powers that be. It is true that President Duterte is one with the people in their everyday struggles. The man is with us, and those who have been dreaming to emancipate themselves from induced hardships, fighting for our rights and dignity to ultimately determine who we are as a people.  President Duterte expresses a sincere, open and straight-forward approach in his kind of leadership, and a language full of empathy compared to a governance that employs confusing political and imposing moral tactics —- scattered versions of truth to deceive us, intolerable sarcasm to agitate foulness, obviously unfounded judgments against Mindanao’s capacity for change  or transformation, all meant to weaken our strength and resolve. We can't be fooled again. If they think our voice can be silence...

  By Janua Cunanan I don’t understand why the people who believe in the very essence of democracy are the same ones who question the masses going to the streets to fight for their causes. How is it that when they express their views online, you call them trolls, telling them straight to their faces, “Lowkey keyboard warriors lang kayo. You don’t have the numbers kasi bayarang trolls lang kayo.” And when they take to the streets, you mock them, saying, “Akala ko ba ayaw ninyo ng rally?” Let us not be consumed by ourselves and our own personal opinions. Let us not frown upon the very fact that, at the very least, Filipinos are beginning to understand how democarcy truly works. But you know what’s even sadder? These are the same people who always believed in the essence of democracy, freedom of expression, and all those freedoms granted in the Constitution. Yet now, they are the ones who belittle acts that embody it. - Janua Cunanan teaches political science at Ateneo de Davao Univers...

By Leo Lusañez  The procedural aspects of Duterte's trial can be left to the lawyers and other people who possess more expertise on the subject. However, as citizens, it is permissible - indeed, even encouraged - to discuss the substantive aspects, as well as the implications. Those in the north ridicule those who stand with Duterte by accusing them of petty and unproductive tribalism. However, lest we forget, this very tendency is innate in every nation - moreso one as diverse as ours, and this is not something that can be cured by the increasingly tired and wasted cries of common good or liberal democracy, for these are the very tools the north has used for centuries to assert their ascendancy over their brethren. The northerners have yet to understand that their lust for power is generational in nature, and goes beyond the Dutertes. And because it is generational, any argument appealing to national unity does not just fall on deaf ears - it is gaslighting of the highest order. T...

Menelito Mansueto, Editor of Philippine Democracy Online.  Born in Bohol, he has studied at Holy Name University, Christ the King Seminary, the University of the Philippines in Diliman, and the American University of Sovereign Nations. He has taught at Colegio San Juan de Letran in Manila, the University of Santo Tomas, FEU Diliman, Bohol Island State University, and currently, at Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. Prof. Mansueto is the Managing Editor of the SES Journal of Applied Philosophy. He is the author of the book Decolonial Turn in the Philippine South.

  By Evan Larona This is not about justice—let’s not be deceived.  These issues are purely political, a desperate attempt to maintain power and control. The same authorities pushing for this reminds me of what Miriam Defensor-Santiago once said: “I-impeach niyo? Meaning honest kayo?” If they are truly paragons of integrity, then why is the Philippines still regarded as one of the most corrupt countries in the world? And the mainstream media? They claim to be impartial, but their narratives expose them. If they are truly neutral, why do their reports consistently favor one side? Why is the opposing side either ignored or given airtime only to be discredited? Their so-called “balanced reporting” is nothing but a carefully crafted illusion—one that the people are starting to see through. Do not talk to us about justice while massive corruption in PhilHealth, GAA, and Ayuda funds remain unresolved. While crime rates surge. While so many pressing national issues are left to rot. ...

  By Menelito Mansueto  Many protests are happening throughout the country and abroad. The people are enraged. However, mainstream media reporting is biased and just ignore such large gatherings. They only show footages featuring a small number of participants, loaded with personal opinions, and employing very selective editing. In about two months, the Philippines will hold its midterm elections. Meanwhile, Duterte's supporters are cautious, recognizing that if the protests grow and persist, they could serve as grounds for a martial law order, potentially jeopardizing the election process.  It is also interesting to ask what could have been the source of this political feud? The Marcos clan might have thought it very awkward from the start to have somebody on their side who was not fully supportive of their vested interests and corrupt practices. The Marcos administration also made allies with rabid opponents of the past Duterte administration. The Marcos supporters and ...

  By Gleemoore Makie  What if Rodrigo Duterte had never been born? Would the Philippines have taken a different path? Would crime have spiraled out of control, or would the nation have found a different way to combat illegal drugs? Would you—yes, you—have remained the same person you are today? Or would you have followed a different road?  Would you have been one of those who silently benefited from his rule, following the tide, only to change your stance when he was no longer in power? Many who once cheered for him later spoke against him—were they truly against his methods, or were they simply adjusting to a new reality? How many supported him out of fear? How many truly believed in his vision? How many just followed the strongest voice at the time? And now that he is no longer in power, what path have you chosen? Have you returned to old habits, now that the fear of punishment has faded? Have you changed your views, not out of realization but because it is now safe to ...

  By Oliver Perater  Former President Duterte and Former President Marcos Sr. have something in common, both awakened the Sleeping Political Consciousness of the Filipino Masses. The former, however, made the masses rally behind his back while the latter made the masses rally against him. The Edsa People Power masses were driven by pure disgust for the former president Marcos. It was merely a phenomenon to remove him and his cronies without offering a better replacement. At that time, people seemed willing to allow anyone to lead the country except Marcos and his allies. In fact, it was a chance for the Communist Party of the Philippines to seize political power, but they failed to listen to the sentiments of the masses. People were never as involved in elections as when Duterte started to participate in national politics. Actively supporting a politician without being paid is a new phenomenon. Filipino participation in elections before Duterte was not as personal as it is now...

  By Christine Joyce Gallinero  It was 2016. I was 17 years old, a second-year college student trying to navigate life’s challenges with an empty pocket but a heart full of dreams. School was not just about learning—it was about 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴. We had just transferred from General Santos to Davao after my father passed away, leaving behind only memories and the weight of responsibility on my young shoulders. Our days revolved around waiting for opportunities. We depended on my titos and titas abroad for financial support since my mother had no stable job at that time, but we knew it was never guaranteed. My sister, the person I love most in the world, was still in high school, and like me, she also needed money for her studies. To stay afloat, 𝗜 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗮 𝗴𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿, grateful for the assistance, yet it was never enough. 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 (𝟴 𝗔𝗠 – 𝟭𝟮 𝗣𝗠), 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗼𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 (𝟭 𝗣𝗠 – 𝟲 𝗣?...

  By Menelito Mansueto  One of the most underrated and neglected moral philosophies of all time is Socrates’ notion of virtue, or Socratic Virtue. That right insight leads to the right action. Or, in Socrates’ own terms: "He who knows what good is will do good." Or that virtue is knowledge. One may be reminded of Jose Rizal’s educational philosophy, which can be summed up simply as: “Teach by example.” Rizal ridiculed the Spanish conquistadores, including the friars, for having a lifestyle opposite to the ones that they taught. Rizal believed that a good teacher or professor must have an honorable personality to command and respect from the pupils or students. He wrote, “To be headed and to maintain authority, the teacher needs prestige, reputation, moral strength, and some freedom of action.”   Since the teacher will serve as a role model to the students, s/he, therefore, must be virtuous in character. Nobody will believe in a friar who teaches to refrain from adult...

By Christopher Ryan Maboloc, PhD It was a puzzle introduced by Plutarch. At first glance, the answer would seem obvious. One should choose the key, for it symbolizes freedom. The logic is simple. When you are free, you can easily earn a living to buy bread. But then, why would a prisoner choose bread instead of the key?  Several factors are at play. If you consider the concentration camp, getting the key does not necessarily mean you can escape. There are barb wires in the perimeter and you can be easily shot. In the present prison system, you still need to pass through guards and hallways. You can be captured again. The theory then as several essays on the matter suggest is that someone would choose the bread because a man's priority is his survival. This means that having resigned to his fate, he would not gamble his life and instead ensure that at least he survives for the day. It's called survival instinct, they say.  In fact, this translates to the political attitudes of ...

  By Leo Lusañez When I was in AdDU, I was surrounded by people who had ideals. Feminists, activists, progressives, student council participants, even firebrands and agitators who have, at some point, probably considered climbing up the nearby mountains to rebel against a government so endlessly beset by corruption and drama. dmittedly, I was one of them. Not the "climb a mountain" sort, thank God, but I certainly had fire. Despite my timidity and stage fright, I proudly identified myself as a liberal and was even accused of being too Westernized by some of my classmates - and fairly enough, because I eagerly read Western thinkers at the expense of my own heritage. I did well in school - not well enough to march with the cum laudes, but I did well all the same, considering my interests laid elsewhere. I was certainly no reject with no critical thought - I can assure you of that. And like many of them, I obsessed about shaping the whole world. As I grew up, I noticed that whil...

  By Menelito Mansueto  The other night, the house neighbors and supporters of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte volunteered to watch his house in Davao, acting as human shields from a possible raid. With a prayer vigil, they were there to prevent the intrusion by means of an alleged search warrant. No doubt, the Duterte family is being harassed by the Marcos administration. Starting with the attack of their close friends and allies, the impeachment of the Vice President, then the arrest of the President Duterte at the NAIA International Airport and ultimately, his extraordinary rendition.  A crucial question needs to be asked: What is Bongbong Marcos's moral authority to put Rodrigo Duterte on trial? In the first place, it was the old Duterte who defended Marcos Sr. from the attacks of the liberal party. Defending Marcos, Sr. was kind of accidental as it resulted from the liberal party rallyists being fond of comparing Marcos Sr. to the old Duterte. Also, part of Dute...

By Menelito Mansueto  Before President Duterte took over the helm of national politics, drug abuse has been a big problem. Many adolescents were hooked into illegal substances. Even in the remotest barrio in the Philippines, many youngsters would find immediate and temporary escape in narcotic drugs. I was exposed to these realities early in my adult life seeing friends, neighbors, and former classmates lose their loved ones to mental instability, joblessness, vehicular accidents related to drug use, and worst, loved ones who were into crimes. Out-of-school youths are prone to the illegal drug menace. Schooled youths are not exempted. Typical for an addicted youth was to hide his addiction from his peers and family until he has gone loose.  When I was enrolled at the University of the Philippines around 2016-2017, at the height of Duterte’s popularity, I was surprised to hear from a professor during one lecture in class that in his critical analysis, Duterte was merely creatin...

  By Givheart Dano "Let the court decide." These words have been echoing, attempting to balance the tremors of today's issue regarding Duterte’s arrest. Legal minds have tried to justify this, yet their opinions remain divided, it all comes down to how they interpret the law. However, the truth about Duterte’s fate in the face of justice has yet to be determined, as the ICC has not yet rendered its judgment. The ICC claims to be the entity that will bring justice for crimes committed in his own country. But one may ask: why outside his own land? Of course, returning to the legal perspective, the ICC still has jurisdiction despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the court during Duterte’s presidency. This withdrawal does not strip the ICC of its jurisdiction, as cases were already filed before the withdrawal took effect, allowing the ICC to retain its authority. However, even among the judges in The Hague (ICC), opinions are divided on the question of jurisdiction, which ...

  By Menelito Mansueto  The Past Perhaps, one could think as far back as why Emilio Aguinaldo’s men killed Andres Bonifacio and Antonio Luna. The Filipino virtue utang-na-loob (sense of gratitude) seems to be unknown to politicians. Whereas the electorate will look up to their leaders with a sense of indebtedness, it is not the case for politicians. They simply use each other as a means to an end.  Likewise, when former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr. exposed the mishaps in the Project Merdeka in his Senate privilege speech in 1968, thinking it will elevate him into the good light as the opposition leader against former president Ferdinand Marcos, Sr., but by doing so, he betrayed the Filipino nation and the Sultan of Sulu by divulging such crucial information involving national security.  Fernando Lopez, Sr. was former president Ferdinand Marcos, Sr.’s running mate in two presidential elections (1965 and 1969), in which Marcos Sr. benefited a lot in the campaign...

By Givheart Carmelo Dano In politics, one must be biased, and that is the reality. One must be biased toward what is good for the people and beneficial to all. The recent news surrounding Duterte’s flight to Hong Kong was described by many of his critics as an undisclosed trip, as former Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio and former Senator Antonio Trillanes claimed. They alleged that former President Duterte was attempting to avoid arrest by the ICC, which was reportedly issuing a warrant against him. In truth, Duterte’s flight to Hong Kong was not undisclosed; it was part of his campaign efforts for his political allies and a gesture of gratitude to his fellow Filipinos, particularly our OFWs. Some scholars in Manila (which I do not even believed some of their founded morals) do not like Duterte, that is the truth. The elitism in politics, as they label it, seems to be a self-proclaimed position of holding the highest moral authority in governance. In fact, they do...