Failure Due to Wrong Pursuit

As what Plato said, “The fittest in a democracy must be a beast who knows how to please sizable crowds.” Democracy is a government by the people and for the people. Many countries are under the democratic rule, one of which is the Philippines. The Philippines first attained its independence against the American Imperialism and had its transition to One- Man democracy of Marcos rule. The promise of granting Philippines total independence from the control of the United States failed. The Authoritarian rule of Marcos was said to be supported by the Unite States. The people of the Philippines did not very much like the dictatorship of Marcos. Under the leadership of Cory Aquino, the Philippines had its first People Power or EDSA Revolution1. Even though the Filipino succeeded in this EDSA 1, still EDSA 2 happened, and EDSA 3. We don’t know if there would still be next to come.

Democracy is not working in the Philippines. Democracy is not really understood by the people and the government itself is not run by democracy. The country’s election is one big event for the Filipino. For those who are seeking for change, for the ones who are hoping for something better. It’s one important event in the Philippines especially for the politicians who would do everything to make their way, whether in the Baranggay Hall, in the Senate or up to the position in Malacanang. This is an event participated by almost all the Filipinos aged 18 and above. There are always many controversies every time the country is conducting an election. Poverty hinders a clear voting, and Bribery takes advantage of the opportunity. Most politicians are indeed rich, while most Filipinos live on hundred pesos per day or less. Some of these wealthy politicians use Bribery as a political tool to maintain their power in the Philippine government. Where is democracy when these poor Filipino have no choice but to give into the manipulation of these greedy politicians? Democratic country gives a chance for its citizens to vote. That’s the good thing about it. People left with dignity would always know their right choice.

Philippines- ranked second in the world for political killing. Most of them were church activists, lawyers, union leaders and others who work for political change. There were 858 politically- related killings. Where is democracy when one’s life is at stake in taking his stand? Why are these people being deprived of their rights, when it is them who should be making the decision? The good democratic thing about it is these people took their stand. They knew that they should fight for their beliefs, and they desired for a change. The decision making process in the government can range from a political system that is a democracy and a single individual or a few individuals in control.

From a book that I read, it says that “The essential features of First democracy were freedom from tyranny and the inclusion of all citizens in governance… Any kind of tyranny- including majority rule- keeps some citizens out of government.” The misconception about democracy is making it similar with the majority rule; though the Philippines are mostly composed of poor people. These large numbers of people don’t have their freedom. They are the ones who are less considered while corruption is taking place in the government. These poor Filipinos are the minority who are under the power of majority which are the powerful people, the politicians, and wealthy people. For example, simple election held for a class-head in a school. There would be Anthony, the silent but intelligent one. Mike, the popular one and have more active social life. The students would have their candidates but because the majority would vote for Mike; these majority could frighten and exclude the minority. They could also use means to influence the minority. Majority rule is plainly a kind of tyranny. It ha been said that it’s not freedom if you have to join the majority in order to feel that you are free. The good thing that can be considered is that in the Philippines, people agree about democracy though it’s not practiced well. Filipino still have positive views in the so- called democratic rule.

In an authoritarian form of government, the same with Marcos rule. It has been explained that authoritarian regimes emphasize the claims of authority over those of individual liberty. Marcos was a harsh ruler but he gained many things for the country which are not made better by the democratic government. Rather, the country got worse. Democracy is not real on the current situation of the country. The people protesting and rallying against this and that, some even don’t know what they are protesting for. Democracy should have lessened the revolts because it should be that the citizens are satisfied. It is them who should be making the decisions. Democracy should have led to understanding of the people and the government but it is opposite here in the Philippines. Both want to have what they believe they should have. It is not democracy at all. It’s like having a tyrant in a crowd it can never control. Compare to the authoritarian rule; the crowd is controlled but country benefits, although it also has its downsides. The fact is the Philippines have not really gone better. It’s slowly taking its downfall because of the wrong pursuit of democracy.