Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Binan Branch

Bachelor of Elementary Education

S.Y. 2023-2024

I. Introduction
1. Overview of Democratic Erosion in the Philippines
Democratic erosion, or the gradual decline in the quality and wellness of democratic institutions and
norms, has become a pressing issue in recent years. This phenomenon, characterized by the incremental
undermining of democratic principles, often orchestrated by elected leaders who manipulate democratic
mechanisms to entrench their power.

What causes democratic erosion? Several factors contribute to it; economic inequality, political
polarization, and the rise of populism — these are the main factors of this phenomenon.

Economic inequality creates a sense of disenfranchisement among large segments of the population,
leading to disillusionment with the democratic process. When citizens feel that the system is rigged against
them, they are more likely to support leaders who promise radical change, even at the expense of democratic
norms. While political polarization exacerbates this issue by creating an environment in which compromise
and consensus become increasingly difficult. When political opponents are viewed as existential threats, the
temptation to undermine democratic procedures to secure short-term victories becomes stronger. Populism,
often fueled by economic and social grievances, thrives in such polarized environments. Populist leaders
frequently position themselves as the voice of the "true people" or the masses against a corrupt elite, justifying
their attempts to concentrate power as necessary for the people's will.

But how does democratic erosion manifest?

It will exhibit in various ways, including the weakening of checks and balances, the erosion of civil
liberties, and the undermining of electoral integrity. Becoming one of the hallmarks of democratic erosion is
the systematic weakening of institutions designed to check executive power. This can include the judiciary,
the legislature, and independent oversight bodies. Leaders may attempt to pack courts with loyalists, bypass
legislative procedures, or undermine independent agencies to avoid accountability.

Another significant manifestation is the gradual erosion of civil liberties, such as freedom of speech,
assembly, and the press. Governments may impose restrictions on the media, censor dissenting voices, and
limit public protests under the guise of maintaining public order. These actions stifle opposition and reduce
the capacity for public scrutiny and debate. Democratic erosion also involves compromising the fairness of
electoral processes. This can take the form of gerrymandering, voter suppression, or manipulating electoral
laws to disadvantage opposition parties.

In one country, democratic erosion can have a ripple effect, emboldening authoritarian leaders elsewhere
and undermining global efforts to promote democracy and human rights. The decline of established
democracies can also weaken alliances and international institutions that rely on the shared values of
democratic governance. Concluding it all, democratic erosion poses a significant threat to the stability and
integrity of democratic systems worldwide. While the causes are complex and multifaceted, the manifestations
are clear and concerning.

II. Historical Context of Democracy in the Philippines

Before the Spanish colonization in the 16th century, the Philippines had a diverse and decentralized system
of governance, characterized by numerous independent and semi-independent polities known as "barangays".
These barangays, which varied in size and power and had it's own political structure. A barangay was led by
a chieftain known as the "datu" or "raja," who wielded executive, legislative, and judicial powers, often with
the assistance of a council of elders, known as the "maginoo" or "barangay council." These leaders were
 Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Binan Branch
Bachelor of Elementary Education
S.Y. 2023-2024

responsible for maintaining order, implementing laws, and protecting their communities. The governance was
implemented by the datu, his authority was typically hereditary but could also be attained through personal
achievement, wealth, or alliances. The datu was expected to be a capable leader, both in times of peace and
conflict. They managed the barangay's resources, organized communal labor, settled disputes, and led in
defense and warfare. That is how the governmental system works before.

Now going onto 1972, where Former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. declared martial law, the democracy
in the Philippines took a huge turn. The declaration of Martial Law in the Philippines on September 21, 1972,
by President Ferdinand Marcos had significant and far-reaching effects on the country's democracy. It
fundamentally altered the political landscape, leading to the erosion of democratic institutions, widespread
human rights abuses, and long-term impacts on governance and civil society.

Not only that it suspended the 1935 Constitution and the dissolution of Congress, it also have the control
over the judiciary which allowed Marcoses to rule by decree, effectively centralizing all legislative, executive,
and judicial powers in his hands. The checks and balances essential to a functioning democracy were
dismantled, paving the way for authoritarian rule. He appointed loyalists to key judicial positions, ensuring
that the courts would not challenge his decrees or actions. This undermined judicial independence and
compromised the rule of law, making the judiciary an instrument of the executive rather than an independent
arbiter of justice. The media was censored, political repression arise, and civil liberties were suspended.
Thousands of political opponents, activists, journalists, and perceived enemies of the state were arrested,
detained without trial, tortured, or disappeared. The widespread human rights abuses created a climate of fear
and intimidation, silencing opposition and weakening civil society. Martial Law curtailed basic civil liberties
such as freedom of speech, assembly, and association. Public gatherings and protests were banned, and
curfews were enforced. This suppression of civil liberties eliminated platforms for democratic engagement
and stifled any form of organized resistance.

The People Power Revolution, also known as the EDSA Revolution, took place in the Philippines in
February 1986. It was a pivotal moment in the country's history, leading to the overthrow of President
Ferdinand Marcos and the restoration of democracy after years of authoritarian rule under Martial Law. The
revolution was a peaceful uprising characterized by mass demonstrations, civil resistance, and the pivotal role
of the Catholic Church.

The People Power Revolution led to the immediate restoration of democratic institutions. Cory Aquino's
government abolished the Marcos-era structures of authoritarian rule and reinstated the separation of powers
among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

In 1987, a new constitution was ratified, aimed at preventing the return of authoritarianism. The 1987
Constitution included provisions to limit presidential powers, strengthen checks and balances, and protect civil
liberties and human rights. It also restored the bicameral Congress, composed of the Senate and the House of
Representatives. The new government took steps to address human rights abuses committed during the Martial
Law period. The Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) was established to recover ill-gotten
wealth amassed by Marcos and his cronies. Efforts were made to provide justice and reparations to victims of
human rights violations.

And now in the present, the current condition of democracy in the Philippines following the 2022 national
elections presents a mixed picture. The elections, which saw the victory of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as president
and Sara Duterte as vice president, have reinforced the dominance of political dynasties, raising concerns
about the true state of democratic representation in the country. It arise concerns and issues like political
dynasty — the election results reflect the entrenched power of political families, with the Marcos and Duterte
families securing significant positions in government. This has raised alarms about the concentration of
 Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Binan Branch
Bachelor of Elementary Education
S.Y. 2023-2024

political power and the potential for continued autocratic governance, similar to the previous Duterte
administration.

While the elections were generally peaceful and saw high voter participation, issues such as vote-buying,
the abuse of state resources for campaigns, and widespread disinformation were prevalent. The Asian Network
for Free Elections (ANFREL) highlighted these concerns in their report, noting the need for campaign finance
reform and better protection for press freedom and free expression

And as the implication of the future, the victory of Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte suggests a continuation of
many of the policies from the Duterte era, with a potential for further erosion of democratic norms. The
international community and local civil society organizations are likely to continue monitoring the situation
closely, advocating for reforms to strengthen democratic institutions and processes in the Philippines.

III. Indicators of Democratic Erosion

The term democratic erosion describes the gradual deterioration of democratic institutions and norms.
Numerous indicators in the Philippines indicate this downturn exposing a deliberate undermining of
democratic frameworks. A decrease in political freedoms a deterioration of democratic institutions issues with
election integrity and violations of human rights are some of these indicators. A thorough grasp of the scope
and character of the nations democratic deterioration can be obtained by analyzing these indicators.

1. Decrease in Political Freedoms

Political Freedoms Are Declining. A functioning democracy depends on the exercise of political
liberties like the freedom of the press assembly and speech. As evidenced by the many cases of
censorship and journalist harassment in the Philippines these liberties are seriously threatened.

1.1 Press and Speech Freedom

The Duterte administration has adopted a tough approach against the press publicly accusing
news organizations and critical journalists of disseminating fake news. A prominent illustration of this
is Maria Ressa the CEO of the independent news site Rappler. Ressa has encountered various legal
obstacles such as accusations of cyber libel which are perceived by many as an effort to stifle dissent
and independent journalism. Legal harassment of journalists sends a negative message to the media
encouraging self-censorship and discouraging investigative reporting.
1.2 Freedom of Assembly
There have also been restrictions on the ability to assemble peacefully. Protests and
demonstrations have been put down particularly those that were anti-government. When the public
expresses disapproval the government frequently uses security forces to break up protests sometimes
using force. The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 intensifies these worries by expanding the definition of
terrorism in ways that may make lawful dissent and nonviolent protests illegal.

2. Deterioration of democratic institutions issues

The democratic institutions are becoming weaker. As checks and balances on each arm of
government a strong democracy depends on the stability and independence of its institutions. These
institutions have been noticeably eroding in the Philippines which has compromised their capacity to
operate efficiently and on their own.

2.1 Judicial Independence

Political meddling has undermined the independence of the judiciary. This tendency is best
illustrated by the dismissal of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno in 2018. Many legal experts view
Serenos removal from office as unconstitutional and a direct assault on judicial independence. The
removal was achieved through a quo warranto petition. Concerns concerning the independence and
 Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Binan Branch
Bachelor of Elementary Education
S.Y. 2023-2024

impartiality of the courts were raised by this incident which brought attention to the executive branches
control over the judiciary.
2.2 Legislative Integrity
Manipulation has also affected the legislative branch. By using its legislative authority the
Duterte administration has pushed through laws that weaken political opposition and consolidate
executive authority. With its sweeping and ambiguous definitions the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 for
example gives the government broad authority to detain people without a warrant potentially focusing
on political opponents and activists in the name of fighting terrorism.

3. Electoral Integrity
A democracy's ability for its people to select and hold accountable their leaders depends on
free and fair elections. Election integrity has been compromised in the Philippines casting doubt on
the validity of the democratic process.

3.1 Election Fairness and Transparency

For years the Philippine electoral system has been beset by problems like vote-buying voter
intimidation and electoral fraud. Due to their tendency to slant results in favor of those with resources
and power, these practices compromise the integrity of elections. There is a general mistrust of the
electoral process as a result of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) incapacity to adequately
handle these problems.
3.2 Voter Manipulation and Suppression
There have also been documented cases of voter suppression. These include the denial of voting
rights to specific voter groups such as marginalized and indigenous communities as a result of
discriminatory policies and administrative roadblocks. Furthermore, voter roll manipulation and the
improper use of public funds for political campaigns undermine public trust in the electoral system.
violations of human rights.

4. Violations of Human Rights

A healthy democracy must prioritize respect for human rights. Particularly under the Duterte
administration, widespread violations of human rights have been a prominent feature of the erosion of
democracy in the Philippines.

4.1 Extrajudicial Killings

The war on drugs under the Duterte administration is the most conspicuous example.
Thousands of alleged drug offenders have died in police operations since the program's founding in
2016. There have been numerous reports of extrajudicial executions and summary killings many of
which took place in dubious circumstances. International condemnation of these operations' lack of
accountability and due process has brought attention to the weakening of the rule of law.
4.2 Liberties
The war on drugs is not the only factor contributing to the degradation of civil liberties.
Because it permits warrantless arrests and prolonged periods of detention without charge the Anti-
Terrorism Act of 2020 seriously jeopardizes civil liberties. It has been said that this law will further
stifle dissent and free speech by having the ability to be used against activists political opponents and
human rights advocates.

The indications of the democratic downturn in the Philippines paint an unsettling picture of the country. The
confluence of dwindling democratic institutions dwindling political liberties compromised election integrity
and widespread violations of human rights indicates a substantial regression in democratic governance. To
address these issues the government civil society and the international community must collaborate.
 Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Binan Branch
Bachelor of Elementary Education
S.Y. 2023-2024

Reinforcing democratic institutions defending human rights preserving political freedoms and holding free
and transparent elections are all necessary for the Philippines to regain a strong and resilient democracy.

IV. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS TO DEMOCRATIC EROSION

Democratic Erosion is about the process of gradually declining of funtions of a democratic system
which results to weakness of its institutions, less open and less accountable government and less participatory
political system.

Democratic Erosion doesn't happen in just a snap of a finger as we said that it is a gradual process
means it took a lot of factors for a democratic country to have democratic erosion. And here are some of the
contributing factors to democratic Erosion:

1. POLITICAL & INSTITUTIONAL FACTOR

1.1 Authoritarian Leadership

What is Authoritarian Leadership?

Authoritarian Leadership is a type of leadership where the control or the power of a society is in the
hands of an individual, he is the one responsible for all the decisions to be made but he may also get some
input from other people in the government.

How does Authoritarian Leadership contributes to Democratic Erosion?

Authoritarian Leadership leads to erosion of democratic principles by the following:

1. Concentration of Power
-as we all know that leader in Authoritarian Leadership always tend to concentrate power in their hands
which is contrary to democracy where the power is in the hand of its people.
2. Supression of Dissent
-as we all know in the Authoritarian Leadership, leaders typically suppress dissent or holding of
expression or opinion of its people which may lead to less transparency and accountability of its
government.
3. Erosion of Civil Liberties
-as we all know on the Authoritarian Leadership, civil liberties including freedom of speech, press,
and assembly which are critical components of a society.
4. Manipulation of Legal Frameworks
-as we all know in the Authoritarian Leadership, leader may manipulate the legal framework for their
personal interest like the rule of law.
5. Intinidation and Coercion
-as we all know in the Authoritarian Leadership, leaders or its other members may use intimadation,
coercion and violence to maintain their power or control in the society which will cause to
discouragement to people to do activism and participate in different assembly about the issues of the
society which is essential for democracy.

2. ECONOMIC FACTOR

2.1 Corruption and Governance Issues

 Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Binan Branch
Bachelor of Elementary Education
S.Y. 2023-2024

What is Corruption and Governance Issues?

Corruption is simply the abuse of power for personal gain, it may occur in an organization and of course
in government. Meanwhile governance issues are the challenges or obstacles that a country is facing like lack
of tranparency, weak accountability and many more.

How does Corruption and Governance Issues contributes to Democratic Erosion?

Corruption contributes to democratic erosion by the following:

1. Undermining Public Trust
-when corruption is present in a society the trust of the people to its government and democratic institution
diminish.
2. Distorting Political Representation
-corruption change political representation by allowing rich people to exert influence over politics at
expense of public interest.
3. Weaking Rule of Law
-corruption undermines the rule of law by letting the people with power and money to evade justice.

Governance Issues contributes to Democratic Erosion by the following:

1. Lack of Transparency
-bad governance often lead to bad decisions for its society reducing the ability of citizens to understand and
monitor government actions.
2. Weak Accountability
-ineffective governance fails to hold public officials accountable for their actions which can lead to abuses of
power.
3. Political Instability
-political instability like frequent changes in government and other conflict may lead to undermining of
continuity and stability required for a democratic system.

3. SOCIAL FACTOR

3.1 Civic Disengagement

What is Civic Disengagement?

Civic Engagement is about the engagement of a person to his/her society through different activities like
voting, volunteering and activism.

How does Civic Engagement contributes to Democratic Erosion?

-civic disengagement reduce accountability of leaders and active participation of people for society's sake
which will result in weakening of democratic system.

IV. International Relations and External Influences

The Democratic Erosion is also known as Democratic Backsliding. Democratic Erosion is an

unsettlingly prevalent phenomenon in which competitive elections are undermined, individuals lose the right
to mobilize or voice demands, and governments become less responsible. With a rise in authoritarian
inclinations and a deterioration in democratic government, the Philippines has seen a major erosion of
democracy in recent years. It happens when equal access is removed, communal control over government
resources and operations is compromised, political participation is restricted, and the government's arbitrary
 Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Binan Branch
Bachelor of Elementary Education
S.Y. 2023-2024

power grows, according to Tilly (2003). Under the current Marcos Jr. presidency, this process has continued,
having started under the Duterte government.

According to the Philippine Consulate General (2014), revolutionaries declared the Philippines to be
the first constitutional democracy in Asia on June 12, 1898. The Philippines were turned up to America by the
Treaty of Paris. Manuel Roxas declared the Philippines independent on July 4, 1946. To extend his rule,
dictator Ferdinand Marcos, a former president, declared martial law in 1972.

There’s also a factor that affects the democratic erosion in PBBM administration. The spread of false
information, a large number of malfunctioning voting machines for which the COMELEC has not taken
action, and a lack of political freedom due to the easy manipulation of others by those who purchase votes all
contribute to the erosion of democracy. The efforts of deceit and disinformation are crucial to the success of
both of these Marcos generations. Marcos is the "top beneficiary" of misinformation, according to fact-
checking organizations.

One of the most common types of backsliding in the current worldwide trends of democratic
degradation is that of incumbents. Voters' attitudes regarding incumbents who have reverted to their previous
ways are important to understand because these candidates rely on public support for their legitimacy. This
article studies voter attitudes in the Philippines, where democracy was subverted by the incumbent president,
Rodrigo Duterte, who served from 2016 to 2022.

Democratic erosion or backsliding in the Philippines has been a significant issue in recent years,
characterized by a decline in democratic governance and an increase in authoritarian tendencies. There are six
facts of highlight the multifaceted nature of democratic erosion in the Philippines, which has been a persistent
challenge to the country's democratic governance. The first one is the Erosion of Democratic Institutions:
under of it is the Judicial independence and executive power, second is the human rights violations: that has
extrajudicial killing and torture and imprisonment, and the third one is the restrictions of civil liberties: it has
under press freedom, and cyber libel laws, the fourth one is the disinformation and historical revisionism:
dissemination of false information, censorship of historical content, the second to the last is the election
integrity: that comes up into vote buying and political dynasties and lack of accountability, and lastly is the
international relationship: that talk about the distancing from international institutions.

There are some factors of contributing to democratic erosion in the Philippines

Weakening of democratic institutions

• The judiciary has been undermined, with the President using appointments and privileges to influence
judges.
• Executive power has been strengthened at the expense of checks and balances.
• Cyber libel laws and other legal tools are used to silence opposition and criticism

Erosion of civil liberties and rights

• Extrajudicial killings and human rights violations have increased, particularly during Duterte's "war
on drugs".
• Restrictions on press freedom, with journalists facing threats and harassment.
• Efforts to remove "subversive" content related to the Marcos dictatorship from libraries and
bookstores.

Disinformation and historical revisionism

• Widespread dissemination of disinformation and "outright lies" about the Marcos dictatorship online,
amassing millions of views.
 Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Binan Branch
Bachelor of Elementary Education
S.Y. 2023-2024

• Attempts to rewrite the history of martial law and deny human rights abuses

Weakening of electoral integrity

• Concerns about vote buying, political dynasties, and other threats to the integrity of elections.
• Lack of accountability for politicians who engage in anti-democratic practices like vote buying.

There is yet hope for democracy in the Philippines in spite of these obstacles. A sizable segment of the
populace, especially the youth, is still devoted to democratic principles and human rights. It appears that many
Filipinos are prepared to protect democratic freedoms based on the widespread support shown for individuals
like Walden Bello, who was arrested on allegations of cyber-libel.

The international community can support democracy in the Philippines by:

• Condemning human rights abuses and democratic backsliding
• Providing support for civil society organizations and independent media
• Pressuring the government to uphold democratic norms and institutions
• Offering assistance in combating disinformation and strengthening electoral integrity.

In the end, the Philippines' democracy will rely on how resilient its people are and how prepared they are
to stand up for democratic principles in the face of authoritarian threats.