The preservation of democracy is essential for a nation.

In the case of the Philippines,

democracy has been a hard-won right that citizens have fought for over the years. As a

Filipino citizen, there are three compelling reasons why I am against diminishing Philippine

democracy.

1) Erosion of Civil Liberties and human rights

- The erosion of civil liberties and human rights in the Philippines has been an issue

that has garnered international attention in recent years. The current government

under President Rodrigo Duterte has been responsible for a significant deterioration

of these rights, with extrajudicial killings, crackdowns on dissent, and attacks on the

press.

- Duterte has been at the center of the erosion of civil liberties and human rights in the

Philippines. His brutal war on drugs, which has led to thousands of extrajudicial

killings. Duterte's rhetoric, which often involves inciting violence against drug dealers

and criminals, has created a climate of fear and impunity in the country. It is

essential for the government to uphold its obligations to protect the rights of its

citizens and for the international community to continue to hold it accountable.

- One example of an influential figure who is against the erosion of civil liberties and

human rights in the Philippines is Senator Leila de Lima. De Lima has been a vocal

critic of Duterte's war on drugs and has faced legal harassment and politically

motivated charges as a result. Despite being imprisoned, she has continued to speak

out against human rights abuses and advocate for the rule of law.

- Another influential figure is Antonio Carpio, a retired Supreme Court justice who has

been a staunch defender of the supreme court and constitutional democracy. Carpio

has been a vocal critic of President Duterte's controversial policies, including the

administration's approach to the West Philippine Sea dispute with China. He has

called for a principled and strategic approach to safeguarding Philippine sovereignty

and territorial integrity, while upholding international law and democratic principles.
2) It undermines the principles of transparency, accountability, and good

governance

- Diminishing democracy in the Philippines poses a significant threat to the principles

of transparency, accountability, and good governance. The erosion of democratic

institutions and processes not only weakens the foundation of a functioning society

but also hinders the ability of the government to serve the best interests of its

citizens.

- Over the decades, the Philippines has experienced periods of martial law, political

instability, and widespread corruption that have threatened the democratic process.

Despite efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, the country continues to

grapple with issues such as electoral fraud, human rights abuses, and attacks on press

freedom. These challenges have undermined the principles of transparency,

accountability, and good governance, leading to a lack of trust in the government and

the erosion of public confidence in democratic institutions. This lack of accountability

destroys public trust in the government and creates a culture of impunity where those

in power are able to operate above the law. Without an open and transparent

government, corruption flourishes, draining off public resources and hindering the

ability of the government to deliver essential services to its citizens. This lack of

transparency also hinders economic development, as businesses are less willing to

invest in a country where corruption is rampant and the rule of law is weak.

3) It weakens the voice and government of the Filipino People

- When the voice and government of the Filipino people are weakened, the very

foundation of democracy is at risk. Without active participation and engagement

from all segments of society, the democratic process becomes hollow and susceptible

to manipulation. A prime example of this can be seen in the case of the Duterte

administration, which has been accused of stifling dissent and cracking down on

opposition voices. Journalists, activists, and critics of the government have been
 subjected to threats, harassment, and even violence, creating a culture of fear and

intimidation that is antithetical to the principles of democracy. By silencing those

who speak out against abuses of power and corruption, the government is able to

consolidate its control and suppress any challenges to its authority. This erosion of

freedom of speech and expression undermines the very foundation of democracy and

sets a dangerous precedent for the future of Philippine governance. Furthermore, the

diminishing of Philippine democracy poses a threat to the rule of law and the

protection of human rights. Democracy is not just about holding elections; it is also

about upholding the rule of law, protecting individual rights, and ensuring a system

of checks and balances that prevent the abuse of power.

As a passionate advocate for democracy and freedom, It is incumbent upon all Filipinos to

stand up and defend their democratic rights and freedoms. Democracy is a precious gift that

must be nurtured and protected, not undermined or diminished.