“The Philippines, since 1986, exhausts me,” said Ms. Maria Ressa, a journalist and academic who has witnessed every Southeast Asian nation’s transition to democracy. As one of the panelists of the “Saving Asian Democracy: Can the Philippines Lead the Way?” forum, Ressa’s response to the question posed was simple: “It’s up to you.”
Her presentation revolved around organizations that deliver and the use of technology to strengthen democracy. Media for social change is not a fantasy and can bring about cataclysmic change in a democracy that has often been characterized as feudal and patronage-driven. After discussing the effects of social networks and how they can be used to spread hope, Ressa ended her presentation by encouraging the audience, mostly Facebook-age De La Salle University students, to take action. “You are powerful. You will make a difference.”
Dr. Neric Acosta, Secretary General of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats, pointed out in that given how Philippine democracy has oftentimes been described as elitist, populist and exuberant, countries like Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, may have moved more democratically ahead of it. “In Asia, democracy is not independent of discourses on development,” he added. “The Philippines must keep up to speed with those who have gone ahead of us in terms of stronger democratic institutions, the rule of law and overall economic performance.” “We can lead the way with the glorious examples of 1986, which should not be diminished no matter how badly subsequent administrations have governed,” Acosta ended on a hopeful note.
But how is democracy, particularly in Asia, best measured? This was the topic brought to the table by Dr. Rainer Adam, Regional Director for Southeast and East Asia of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation. He presented the Freedom Barometer Asia, an index that tracks democracy particularly in key areas like political freedom, rule of law and economic freedom.The Philippines, particularly under the Aquino administration, is looked up to as the beacon of democracy in a region bereft of strong democratic credentials. And given the discussion led by panelists in this forum, Asia’s first democratic republic is up to the challenge.
This forum on Wednesday, 01-June 2011, was part of the “Road to Manila Congress”, a series of discussions in preparation for the Liberal International 57th Congress on Human Rights and Trade, and was co-organized by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty, Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats and De La Salle University.
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