DEMOCRACY IN THE PHILIPPINES

The early part of the lesson focused on the concept of democracy- its definition, origins, and its ideal
app. This lesson, on the other hand, highlights the significant historical events in the Phils. that affected
the practice of democracy, the intro. of democracy by the Americans, Martial Law period, and the EDSA
Revolution.

Democracy has long been exercised in the Ancient Greece and is now known as the rule of people
where the power in the government does not emanate from the divine right or any god but from the
citizens of the state-Aristotle considered democracy as the corrupt counterpart of the ideal regime of
polity but it is still a popular model for government nonetheless.

Democracy was introduced in the Phils. during the late 19th century ff. the opening of the country’s
economy to the world in 1834 and the consequent inflow of ideas and people along with trade goods.
The success of the French Revolution that caused the resurgence of democratic and liberal ideals in
Europe reached our shares via trade with other countries and also by the efforts of rich Filipino
natives(illustardos) who were able to study abroad. The illustrados, through the propaganda of Marcelo
H. Del Pilar, translated Liberal ideas for the Phils. in their hope to achieve reform (Gripaldo et. al. 2005).

However, it was during the American period that democracy was used in full extent as a political
system. The defeated Spaniards during the Spanish-American war in 1898 sold the Phils. to America but
the Filipinos close to be independent rather than be subjected to another colonialist, thus the Phil.-
American War. After 3 years of fighting, the Filipino revolutionaries surrendered to the American forces.
Even during the Phil.-American war, the issue of what to do with the Phils. had been a debate.

Dr. Jacob Schurman lead the Schurman Commission in 1899 with the basic objectives of establishing
the civil government in pacified areas as well as training and assigning Filipinos in various government
positions among others.

Judge William Howard Taft (Taft Commission) in 1900 hartened the transition of the government from
a revolutionary to a civil and democratic one.

Constitution was remodel in 1973 and for a brief period of time.