Delusions of democracy, revisited

In this digital era, democracy demands a new vigilance.

- MARVIN TORT

The threats are subtler than a coup and quieter than martial law. It is no longer about armed men, but about trends; not shutting down media, but drowning it out; not banning speech, but overwhelming truth with the speed and volume of disinformation.

In a column about eight years ago, I argued that the Philippines lived not in a true democracy, but in a nominal one. We continue to see elections and similar democratic rituals on the surface, but elite power plays underneath still determine outcomes.

People do not truly vote for leaders they want; they perpetuate and legitimize the continued rule of a select few from the governing elite. The so-called choice is largely limited to members of political dynasties and recycled career politicians.

Not much has changed since. In Freedom House's latest Freedom in the World report, we scored 58/100 and were rated "Partly Free." The Philippines posted 25/40 on political rights and 33/60 on civil liberties, which are far from ideal. At best, we have a stagnant democracy that tilts toward erosion.

Freedom House notes: "The Philippines hosts a vibrant political landscape, and elections are free from overt restrictions. However, established political elites benefit from structural advantages, and problems including highly organized disinformation campaigns and widespread vote buying have undermined fair competition. Corruption is endemic, and anticorruption bodies struggle to uphold their mandates."

I based my assertions regarding Philippine democracy, back then and now, on Larry Diamond's four tests: free and fair elections, genuine participation, protection of rights, and the rule of law. Diamond is one of the world's foremost scholars of democracy studies. For decades, he has examined democratic transitions and breakdowns across continents.