Philippines

Monthly Event Reports GSOD Indices

The Philippines is a mid-range performing presidential democracy. Over the last five years, there have been notable declines in Civil Liberties and Checks on Government, due to phenomena such as police violence and the suppression of the freedom of expression. At the same time, there are nascent signals of the opening of democratic space. This dynamic economy is rooted in strong domestic consumption and remittances, with a growing services sector, including tourism and the finance and insurance industries, with Business Process Outsourcing contributing significantly to the economy.

The Philippines has had a long history of revolutions against repressive colonial (Spanish, American and Japanese) and postcolonial governments. Since achieving de facto independence in 1946, the Philippines has struggled to counteract the negative effects of repressive and corrupt political dynasties, widely divided socioeconomic classes, and ethno-religious and ideological fault lines, resulting in decades of armed struggles and conflicts at the local level.

President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., first elected in 1965, declared martial law in 1972 and imposed a military-backed dictatorship for over a decade, until he was deposed by the mass popular protests in 1986, known as the People Power revolution, a peaceful revolt that has influenced a number of other popular uprisings against dictatorships in Asia and beyond. Since then, democratization has proceeded forwards, but in fits and starts. National politics are frequently dominated by familial political dynasties, and the public has expressed anger at elites’ refusal to share power more widely and at the slow pace of socioeconomic and political reforms. Throughout its history, the Catholic Church has been a socio-political force, particularly during the People Power revolution, and a key player in debates on public policy, despite formal separation of church and state in the constitution.

The ethno-religious and ideological fault lines are based on two conflicts. In Mindanao, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Moro National Liberation Front launched an armed struggle for an independent region in 1969. This culminated in an agreement to establish a self-governing autonomous region in the Muslim-dominated areas of Mindanao, the ‘Bangsamoro’, by law in 2019. The second, which is the longest running communist insurgency in Asia, pits the New People’s Army, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, against the national government.

It will be important to watch Civil Liberties and Checks on Government in the years ahead, especially in relation to media freedom and justice for past regimes’ violations. Many aspects of democracy may also be impacted by the new law in Bangsamoro, which grants increased autonomy to the region. Fundamental Rights and other aspects of democracy may also be affected by proposed but controversial constitutional reform. The government’s commitment to fighting corruption will also impact Impartial Administration. Opportunities for improvement will depend on the level of transparency and access to information and education on the legacy of political dynasties for younger generations of Filipinos.

July 2023 | “War on drugs” continues

More than 300 drug-related killings have occurred since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took office last year, according to figures compiled by the University of Philippines program Dahas. Human rights experts note that there has been little progress since in the country's internal investigation into the drug-related killings. As a result, the International Criminal Court (ICC) moved to disregard the Philippines' objections on 18 July, clearing the way for an imminent probe. The government has said it will not cooperate with the ICC investigation, stating that it is not within the court’s jurisdiction. At the same time, the persecution of journalists and former critics of the war on drugs continues to be prolonged. Notably, Leila de Lima, a former senator known for her critical stance against the war on drugs, remains in police custody after being denied bail earlier in June.

May 2023 | Former opposition senator Leila de Lima partially acquitted

Former Senator Leila de Lima was acquitted in the second of three drugs cases against her in a case widely held to be politically motivated. De Lima, a vocal critic of ex-president Duterte’s “war on drugs”, has been in detention for more than six years. While the acquittal offers hope for her release and signifies a “long-overdue step towards justice,” human rights groups note that the government should launch an inquiry and implement reforms to prevent such politicization of the justice system.

Arbitrary Detention

January 2023 | A win for press freedom and rule of law

A Philippine tax court on 18 January acquitted Nobel Laureate and high-profile journalist Maria Ressa of four tax evasion charges, marking the end of a case that began in 2018 and which was widely believed to be politically motivated. A UN expert on freedom of expression said the acquittal signals a "victory for media freedom as well as justice." Ressa and Rappler still face three other charges, including one for cyber libel, which top UN officials and human rights advocates have urged authorities to drop.

November 2022 | Anti-discrimination law passed for women workers

The Philippines Congress passed a law on 29 November that aims to strengthen anti-discrimination provisions under the Labour Code to safeguard women employees. The law strengthens existing provisions with jail terms and hefty fines for violators, stating that it is unlawful for any employer to favour a male employee over a female employee in terms of employment benefits. The law also prevents the discharge of women on account of pregnancy. Ultimately, the measure establishes greater responsibility and accountability for private employment agencies.