Sophie Andrea C.

Bayagusa
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Readings in Philippine History
Question: What do you think is the most effective form of government for the Philippines? Why?

For how many years, even way back the colonisation period the Philippines already experienced
different types of government as well as having different constitution. While there are various forms
of government, each with its own merits and drawbacks, I still believe that the presidential system
holds unique advantages that align well with the Philippines' circumstances.

First and foremost, the presidential system provides strong and stable leadership, which is critical
for a varied and populous country like the Philippines. In a presidential system, the president is
directly elected by the people, giving them an unambiguous mandate to govern. This direct
responsibility generates a perception of legitimacy and authority, allowing the president to make
decisive decisions in the absence of constant parliamentary deadlock or coalition discussions. In a
country that frequently faces complicated socio economic issues and natural disasters, having a
single president with the authority to act quickly might be crucial. Furthermore, the presidential
system establishes a distinct separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial
departments, which is critical for ensuring checks and balances. This division keeps all branches of
government from gaining undue influence, guaranteeing that power is shared and overseen.
Parliamentary systems, on the other hand, encourage cooperation between the branches but can
occasionally obfuscate fundamental distinctions, potentially resulting in abuses of power or
inefficiencies in the administration of justice. Furthermore, the presidential system can help
improve government accountability and openness. A president who is directly chosen gives the
people a focal point to hold the administration responsible for its deeds. Mechanisms like judicial
review, impeachment, and independent oversight organizations serve to further bolster this
responsibility. Although corruption and the misuse of power can occur in any society, the
presidential system offers channels for resolving these problems and maintaining the rule of law.

Furthermore, by lowering the possibility of abrupt changes in leadership, the presidential system
promotes political stability. In a parliamentary system, early elections may be called in response to
a vote of no confidence or the dissolution of a coalition, which could result in frequent changes in
the ruling party. Investor confidence and long-term policy planning may be affected by this volatility.
On the other hand, in a presidential system, the president's fixed term offers stability and
continuity, enabling long-term development goals and ongoing governance. The presidential
system's detractors may claim that it encourages autocratic behavior or executive overreach.
However, these risks can be mitigated through robust democratic institutions, a vibrant civil society,
and a vigilant media. Furthermore, the Philippines' experience with authoritarian rule under past
presidents underscores the importance of strong democratic safeguards rather than the inherent
flaws of the presidential system itself.

To conclude, by providing strong and stable leadership, maintaining checks and balances,
fostering political stability and pluralism, and promoting accountability and transparency, the
presidential system can contribute to the country's democratic development and socio-economic
progress. While no system is perfect, the presidential system stands as the best fit for the
Philippines' aspirations for a vibrant and inclusive democracy.