“Democracy in the Philippines: The Influential government of the local elites and continuous impingement to good governance in towns and provinces”

                The interference of local elites into performing good governance in the Philippine political system has been tolerated, and has recognition by these political animals in practicing informal political norms. The Philippines local elites are the main practitioner of political tradition and customs such as political bosses, patron-client relations, political clans, etc., so that the birth of informal institution comes. It has a huge effect on delivering good governance to the local level; formal institutions are being dominated by informal institutions. Democracy is somehow ineffective to the Philippine context, because of the traditions we cannot live without. Basically this essay focuses on the impact of giving such autonomy to the local levels, and the interference of local elite to the formal institutions by the informal institutions. The decentralization vested by the Local Government Code of 1991 has performed a big role on the evolution of governing in the local levels. The article of Abueva is a formal institution and the articles of Magno, Manasca and Sidel are the informal institutions that are more express on the local level. The elites is impingement for delivering good governance because they are the one who can only avail to participate in any elections, they are more likely a capitalist, they use the power vested on them to make more profits. The rich became richer and the poor became poorer, if you have money you can manipulate the authority, and if you are the authority you can generate money by means of goons.

                “Decentralization of government functions serves as an invitation for rampant practice of informal institution by the local elites and the acceptance of the public of it in exchange of temporary privileges”. 

                The article of Abueva is somehow an invitation of the rise of the local elites and the toleration of informal political norms. The proposal of Abueva is to decentralize the present centralize government of the Philippines (Avueva, Jose) but this proposal may invites or may allow to legalize different privileges of a political elite. The ampatuan’s of the Mindanao is the best illustration of this, they able to create a private army that will follow the command of its boss. As I see, these are happening to our present political system and we must entertain at least a remedy not a thing that will worsen out political status. The patronage politics is rampantly express on the local levels (Magno 1989), therefore it an justification that it is not efficient for the Philippine political system the decentralization of national functions down to the local level.

                Some political individuals uses their resources in able to achieve the trust of the public by rendering different good or privileges, and in exchange the public are obligated to vote for that politician. It is the concept of patron-client relation, patron serves as a provider and public serves the client and mutual relation is built among the two. This is the reality of the Philippine political system; these informalities are inevitable when there is poverty. Local levels are experiencing it in the Philippine context, the public cannot avoid it because if we avoided it because we are alarmed when someone interfere with our traditions and customs.

                The political elites are too powerful in their localities; imagine if federalization will be passed. Federalization is decentralization and giving autonomy to exercise authority with accordance with the political body of the local government. Local elites will be attracted to form an alliance for a strong political coalition, for them to be able to secure the resources of the local government in to their hands. Primarily political elite wants to gain power in order to maximize their profit and resources. A political boss will arise who can able to control the political machine in order to prolong their tenure. Vesting an absolute authority on the local level will only fortify the practice of informal institution. At some point the decentralization has a negative effect on performing public services, like for example: the abuse of authority and more prone to corruption.

                As Abueva proposed, with the form of the Philippine’s government to be federalist-parliamentary. Our present party system is multi-party, so therefore it is a chaotic process in choosing our prime-minister, and if it will be amended into two party systems, probably it will be more chaotic. In two party systems, only two super parties will be an area to pick the prime minister. The political parties are temporary vehicle for local elites to penetrate in holding a political power (Manasca& Tan 2007), so that the party loses its real advocacy. Political party is primarily built in marginalize sector, and it is also an indication of political patronage. Political parties are introduce by ex-Pres. Ferdinand Marcos to represents different ideology and group of ethnical or not peoples. It is abuse by some aspiring individuals to enter politics or to achieve their political dreams.

                Informal institution will continue to interfere with our formal institutions and as the level of the Philippine political maturity, there are no perfect solution eliminating the rise or domination of political elite in attaining political power. As the Philippine systems recognize and accept these informalities in political system, the political boss, patron-client relation and manufacturing parties to use as a temporary vehicle will be used by local elites to prolong and maintain their political power.

                In the Philippine context, the elites or the rich can only avail to participate in any local elections. When they attain power they will do everything to maintain it on their hand and the practice of informal institutions arises. These are the reasons why the local elites are the major factor to impinge the practice of good governance in the local level. Many of our marginalized towns and provinces are the targets of these political animals; man in nature is political animal (Aristotle). Instead of criticizing the interference of local elites in delivering good governance, we must focus on how we can formulate a system that will fit our traditions and customs.

                The proposal of Abueva has advantages but it cannot resolve our grievances especially the domination of local elites in the local governments. Instead of putting our country into federalism, we must know what localities can survive the shift. First convert those charter cities into federal, they can withstand the autonomy and everything follows. Those in 3^rd class municipalities can be merged with a lot develop municipality or charter city near its vicinity and those more develop localities will take charge on governing the 3^rd class municipalities. This theory will eliminates inequality in development unlike Abueva and Pimentel’s proposals. This may also disjoin the participation of local elites on the 3^rd class municipalities by the control of the more powerful force by the charter cities.

                Philippine has a lot of problem when it comes to forgery of rigid implementation of policies and laws. We are political immature, we are rather to work for ourselves that to take apart on these political matters even though we have enough rights to resist the practice of informal institutions. If we will keep this ignorance, the elites will take advantage to the extent of their satisfaction. Because of the public’s toleration of informal institutions, the cacique or elites will domain the use of authority and can manipulate us in some way. If only we can once again unite our patriotism, there are no impossible for the Philippine.

                The inter action of different classes must be existing in a democratic form of government, the freedom must be present. Election is an indicator of democracy, isn’t it? In past elections, I have witnessed on how the public accept the practice of informal institutions. A politicians propaganda, vote-buying, promises and electoral fraud, this is a manifestation that we are also a part of informal institutions. Is democracy really fitted on our traditions and customs? Or we are just a trying hard nation who thinks that democracy is for us. It is shame that my own race don’t understand the essence of democracy. At some point, democracy is the reason of worsening our political tradition. We are given a lot of freedom so that abuses occur, the capitalist abuse the rights of the consumers to gain more profits and then they will use that profit to facilitate their electoral fraud. I have observed that the election invite the toleration of giving the local elites to interfere with our formal rules and in result lack of good governance. People only aspire to have a good government that shall lead them to success, and since change is the only absolute in politics, they are taking the chance to change a form of government for a lot better life to live. Democracy may perish in the Philippine but it does not solve the problem of all, besides there is no form of government for the benefit of all because politics is basically to display power and not for the weak. There are no forms or structure of government that will satisfy the hunger of the masses.

                The practice of informal institution is truly inevitable, as long as we are lock up with our traditions and customs. The lack of rigid in implementation, it is more essential that our state is separate with the church and the church must not affect the decision making of the state. We are back to the Spaniards time that the church is too powerful in government functions. The aspiration of every citizen of our country to have a practice of good governance is being hindered by the negative culture of the Philippine politics. As long as we tolerate this acts our political system will not develop instead it will fall and the democracy we fought for and the sacrifices that our people done will be forgotten and put into trash. Our people will never learn from our history and will always take for granted all the good things that we have.

                The local elites have the charisma; they can lure anyone with their flamboyant speeches. The ruler on a certain local government can manipulate the whole population by knowledge on how to play the game of politics. Many of the Philippine’s towns and provinces are marginalized, and so the local elites use their wealth as an advantage. Primarily local people developments are base on the local elites, the land is provided by the elites and the peasants are the one who make the land fertile and profitable but the elites get the most of the profit and benefits. Because of the lacking opportunity the peasant engaged to a patron-client relation with the higher class. Greed is the major factor on the interference of the local elite in performing good governance. Local elite can antagonize policies and laws in the local levels by using their influence and wealth.

Conclusion:

                Informal institutions are rampantly express on the Philippine setting and it is unavoidable. Our traditions and customs will always interfere with our formal structures; unless scholars can develop a political structure that is fitted to the Philippine’s setting. Proposing different structure to shift our government into different form won’t make a change, like the proposal of Abueva to federalize the Philippines. It will just invite the acceptance of informal institutions, and will worsen the corruption among all localities. The Philippine must attain its maturity in politics in able to develop other internal matters, and surely it will take a lot of time attaining it.

                The interference of local elites is inevitable, as the Philippines political setting. Philippine is too much entertained with our traditions and customs; we are tremulous that the occurrence of changes will disregarded the major component of our nationality or maybe individuality. We are pent in the past and we can’t entertain new innovations that may help our development in the local levels up to the national levels.

                Democracy is not quite effective in the Philippines context because it is primarily the idea of the westerns, and it was created for the development of the westerners. Democracy led us to the rampant practice of informal institutions and the recognition of it among the people and the nation. We are given too much of freedom that’s why we cannot avoid the manipulation of the elites on the local levels. It is well explained by the three authors that the informal institutions are more express on the local level, because local elites are also the political rulers in the local level. How can they be punished when they are the one implementing the law? The decentralization of political or governmental function down to the local government gives opportunity for some political ruler to formulate a law that will benefit his/her and his constituents. There is nothing wrong with our political structure; the only thing that makes the structure wrong is on how Filipinos collaborate our tradition in running a political sector. It is inevitable and it will continue to impinge in delivering good governance with a rapid change, we must wait or take time on our development in socially, economically and politically.

Issues in International Relations

A.    Introduction

International Relation became a discipline to study the relation among nations. It aims to have cooperative, united and peaceful nations around the world. International Relation intends to seek a better international community by analyzing and formulating foreign policy, and for securing the welfare of all states around the world. Diplomatic act is the way that is use by International Organization to avoid igniting world wars. Establishing international organization (League of Nations) after the war the IR emerged as a formal academic ‘discipline’ in 1918. In the past century we have seen the role of International Relation to maintain and develop welfare among nations to nations. It involves a diverse range of issues on international community. The principle of the study of International Relation is based on world history and used it to prevent states to engage in war for the welfare of the world. League of Nation is establish to have a economic development among states and it didn’t  succeed, United Nation is establish to show how to maintain peace and welfare in the international community as well as economic cooperation. The diversity of United Nation as an international organization is very helpful to secure and protect lives, resources, peace, security, market, territory and promote development among nations. UN is a tool that prevents nation to nation conflicts that may lead to world wars. It is near to impossibility to maintain peace and welfare to the world based on our history but International Relations have prove that it is not impossible to secure welfare around the world.

B.     Ancient Era

In old world expansion of empires is everywhere, Ancient Greece, Roman Empire, China’s Dynasties and etc. The Old World comprises Africa, Asia, and Europe (collectively known as Afro-Eurasia), plus surrounding islands (or at least those parts which were known to classical geography before the 15th century). It is monarchical rule and territories gain thru wars. Basically empires are group of kingdom and with one ruler, the emperor. International Relation are a lot different back then, messenger are sent not to prevent war but to warn kingdoms to join their ruling or they will engage in war. Religion is one of the factor to expand a territory, like in Holy Roman Empire, Constantine reunite Rome with Christianity and able to expand his territories. In China’s history Qing dynasty has the hugest territory and the last. In reality, Chinese history is not as neat as is often described and it was rare indeed for one dynasty to end calmly and give way quickly and smoothly to a new one. Dynasties were often established before the overthrow of an existing regime, or continued for a time after they had been defeated. Rulers gain their respect with other empire by means of how large their territory is. In the world history there are many well known individuals for expansion of their territories, and the best example I will give is Alexander “the Great”. By the age of thirty, he had created one of the largest empires in ancient history, stretching from the Ionian Sea to the Himalayas. He was undefeated in battle and is considered one of the most successful commanders of all time. In old world of ancient world the International Law was non-existent, the natural state between foreign nations was universally considered to be war. Peace could only exist as the result of express treaties. Nations were enemies or allies; there was, in theory, no middle ground. The development of any system of international law during a period of this character was impossibility.

C.     Wars and Diplomacy (1648-1914)

During the Medieval Period wars are inevitable, in 1648 the Thirty Year’s War end and that is one of the most devastating war of religion. In 1900’s another war shocked the world and a truly devastation and destruction to the world. The World War I started in 1914 and ended in 1918, and this war produces many genocides, revolutions and unreasonable killings. In the 19th Century, the major European powers had gone to great lengths to maintain a balance of power throughout Europe, resulting by 1900 in a complex network of political and military alliances throughout the continent. Many had died around the world in this war, but an ideology of maintain the welfare of the world emerge. Introduce by Woodrow Wilson, the League of Nation is established on Paris Peace Conference and by the Treaty of Versailles the League of Nations is established on 28 June 1919. The league was intended to introduce international welfare by using diplomatic acts instead of violence. Economy is one of the major reasons why the league is established. The First World War had a lasting impact on social memory and this war brought International Relation as a discipline.

D.    Birth of International Relation (1919-1939)

After the establishment of the League of Nations in 1919, the economy of the world became vigorously and trade & cooperation are done around the world. Industries rises all around the world and the effect of globalization had felt. The birth of International Relation arises, by Woodrow Wilson showing the political ideology of Idealism can fit into the international community. Diplomatic act is being used to maintain peace and prevent of war. IR is the key to achieve cooperation and to trade with other nations. This era is the pick of industries around the world, and by the help of the League of Nation many countries had experience dramatically development on their economy. Institutionalising diplomacy is the foundation of LON and as being introduced as a field of academe study. But the league didn’t last, in 1939 the league failed to prevent another war from emerging. The World War II happened and the league was abolished. The ignition of war came from the conflict in the Europe, especially in Italy with the fascism leader Benito Mussolini.

E.     Hot and Cold War (1940-1993)

The World War II is a failure of League of Nation, another devastation war to the world. The war is being ignited by the Pearl Harbour Attack in Hawaii the largest naval base of the United States in 1941 of December. The war wage on the western and south, many have died and many nations suffer. The World War II was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis. It was the most widespread war in history, with more than 100 million military personnel mobilised. In a state of "total war," the major participants placed their entire economic, industrial, and scientific capabilities at the service of the war effort, erasing the distinction between civilian and military resources. Marked by significant events involving the mass death of civilians, including the Holocaust and the only use of nuclear weapons in warfare, it is basically war of political ideology. The leadership of Adolf Hitler of Germany killed many civilians as well as Josef Stalin in USSR/Russia, of Benito Mussolini in Italy, and other leaders that create genocides.

The Cold War emerged after the World War II and it is between the wars of “ism”. The mass production of nuclear weapons of USSR as well as with Cuba for their security reason and the political ideology that is contrary to the ideology of USA, communism/socialism versus democratic form of government. It is cold war because there are no mass killings; it is only a rivalry of who is the world power. The Cuba is being embargoed as a sanction for collaborating with USSR to produce nuclear warfare. The war of ideology comes to an end and John F. Kennedy successfully managed not to engage into war. The Cold war end in 1993, and Cuba and USSR stop producing nuclear warfare.

F.      Environment and Human Rights

The impact of Globalization has consequences, the environment degeneration. That’s why United Nation does not only focuses on maintaining order and welfare to the world. UN form a international organization to protect and preserve our resources in our environment and also human development. UNEP or United Nation Environment Programme intent to promote the protection for environment and UNICEP or United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund focuses on the welfare of children around the world. As we see the impact of globalization, has a huge effect on our environment and the degeneration of our environment affects the food supply that is chain to the health of every human in the world. Having this both international organization will remind the world that we must act now for us to have a sustainable development. International Relation has come to a bigger picture after it is establish, promoting the total welfare of the world is their advocacy.

G.    The Philippines-What do you want?

The Philippines is very well known for their agricultural products and we will be economic competitive if we are dedicating ourselves for one goal. The issue on Spratly Island with the China is very sensitive; we can’t fight against China to acquire that territory. The thing that we probably do is to keep in silence and let the international community push our ownership to the Spratly Island. The corruption in our country is very rampantly practiced, that is why we are burden with so many grievances. It is also the reason why we are the number one supplier of workers around the world; if we reduce the practice of corruption probably there will be no OFW and poverty. If we just implement our laws and policy very effectively probably there will be no injustice in our country. We must not abuse the use of our resources for us to be able to maintain the beauty of our country, to attract more tourists.  If we educate our people, probably there is no hindrance in passing a law that is essential to everyone, like RH bill, we must have a full knowledge before concluding our views. If only our government allocate equal respect regardless of their religion, probably there will be no MILF’s and Abu Sayaff to spread violence in our country. We must be obliged to follow the rules imposed by the government and the government shall put an outmost responsibility to every Filipino people.

Instead of complaining, we must develop the things that we are known for, like agriculture. We must focus on ourselves; we must not rely to other countries for us to be able to survive. We must know what the things that we will to prioritize most are; concentrate to that for achieving our goals and development. Our government must always advocate the idea of patriotism and not promote imported goods and culture by letting our domestic product rule our market. We must set our mind to one goal for us to have an order and have a clear draft of our aspiration. Instead of questioning the government, support them. We don’t have any problem in the structure of our government, the problem lies into the diverse culture of the people.

The Probable Solution to Attain the Claim in Spratly Island

            The Spratly Islands in the South China Sea is rich in natural resources that can boost an economy to a dramatic success. Six nations claimed that Spratly islands are included to their territory but until now the debate on where the islands will go seems difficult to determine. The six nations have their own proof to justify their claim on the island. The claims of different nations invites conflicts to arise, they may use brute force or diplomacy just to acquire the rich island of Spratly. The Philippines is the one of the claimant of the island, and the impendent rise of conflict in other nation has been observed. If the Philippines have a claim on the island so long with other strong nation what course of action should the Philippines government will take? To pursue the settlement on the issue of ownership of the island, to enter in a joint venture in other claimants of the island and negotiating the ownership of the island in a period of time or following the other approach, which is engaging into all out war. It is hard to determine for a weak country like the Philippines on what to be prioritized. As I dissected the different probable solution to the claim of Spratly islands I came at in one point, not to use violence but the advantages of the probable solutions in benefits of the Philippines.

            Pursuing the ownership of the Spratly islands would be not practical for the Philippines. First of all, even the Philippines attain the ownership of the island it is impossible for the government to waste big amount of money to extract natural resources to avail the benefits of the island. The Philippines would search for an foreign excavators to extract the minerals and other natural resources of the Spratly, the Philippines surely cannot avail the service so it will goes sharing of extracted resources for both players. It is very impractical for the Philippines. The second aspect is the relation of the Philippines in the neighbouring claimant of the islands; it will weaken the relationship of the Philippines that may result in many negative effects for the economic development of the Philippines. The worst scenario would be engaging in war and the Philippine is not capable of financing the military for international war. And lastly, if the Philippines attain the ownership on the Spratly, the intervention of other states would be observed especially the United States of America because of its oil reservoir.

            Declaring all out war to other claimants of the island would only deliver the Philippines to devastation. Entering in war will cost too much and for the Philippines it is not very practical to waste the national funds in engaging in war. Even the promised aid of the USA it would be a tragic moment for the Philippines. Philippines cannot afford to go to war and even if it can it is not the best way to attain the ownership of the Spratly islands. First, the Philippines have an impotent arm forces and naval forces. Second, there is more to be prioritized that the claim of the Spratly island. And third, the relation of the Philippines to maintain in its neighbouring country for overseas workers.

            As I apply my analytical thinking to come up with the best probable solution on the claim of the Philippines for Spratly islands I came up with the joint venture. This paper will illustrate the possibilities when the Philippines engaged in joint venture with China. Why China? China is one of the most economic boosters of Asia and has the most powerful force on all of the claimants. The Philippines has the advantage of engaging joint venture in China because the Spratly Island is located at the territorial sea boundary of the Philippines. If only the Philippines and China meet at the half way, it is surely satisfy their claims. First, the Chinese government can allocate their funds to extract the resources in the Spratly Island which is the weakness of the Philippines. China has more access in new technologies that will hasten the excavation and they persevered because of the oil reservoir on the main island. It is basically a win-win situation for both claimants. Second, boosting the economy of both countries and will open a new door for trade. It will help the Philippines to open the door for the Chinese Market. My estimated sharing is 80% for China because they provided equipment and technology for excavating the islands and 20% for the Philippines and the ownership of the island. It is a big help to boost the Philippine market. Lastly, the relation of the Philippines will be solidified and will give a strong political, economical and social relation to both countries. Entering in a contract with China will disregard the other claimants of the island.

            The Philippines must enter a negotiation for its benefits. The win-win situation may serve as an answer for the claim in Spratly Island. The Philippines cannot choose other option to acquire the ownership of the islands but to enter in a contract that would be both beneficial for both claimants. 

Thailand: A Stable Semidemocracy (Article Review)

            The disturbance of Thailand democratic stableness is determined through the long term monarchial regime. The challenges faced by Thailand to maintain their democratic aspiration is the social disorder and social confusions, the attempt of the society to overthrow   the government led to many cultural re-orientation and conflict in their interest as a nation. Thailand has never been a colony of western countries and it is the major reason of the political chaos of Thailand. The introduction of democracy in Thailand is very limited, even scholars from Thailand that have studied in western hemisphere have a little knowledge on the procedure under a democratic government. Democracy is a real foreign subject for Thailand, so that is the one reason of Thailand on their confusion understanding the democratic form of government. Their long period of monarchical regime was embedded on the way do politics. The authoritarian twist on the democratic form of Thailand is reflected on their profound political culture of Thailand. A semi-democratic form of government shows that democratic success will be observed at basic formulation or establishment of a government, it must be a complimentary and fit to the culture of a country.  The application of democracy to a government shall not be forced, the agony of Thailand’s government illustrate that the application of democracy comes in a precise timing. The installment of democratic form of government by force will result in social and political disorder and the economical aspect will dragged down, so the three aspect of the society will experience an epic fall. The establishment of pure democracy in Thailand is in grave challenge in the acceptance of the society, the Thailand customized democracy to fit their culture promoting their big difference on the western countries. The semi-democracy or democracy with a flavor of authoritarian shows significant effect on the pursuance of Asian countries towards democracy, the effectiveness of semi-democratic form of government invites some Asian countries to customize their form of democracy. Many attempt of twisting the idea of democracy have been introduce in the modern politics. The maintenance of Thailand independence shows that the rapid shifts of political system will mislead the development of political, economical and social factor of a country.

             The military regimes in Thailand, the failure of Thailand government protecting its government from autocrat’s ruler serves a solution to their agony on how they will pursue democratization. The twist of authoritarian will fit the democracy aspired by Thailand. The pure authoritarian regime has come to an end and Thailand has formulated the form of government they are seeking for. Institutionalizing democracy faced many challenges on time when Thailand experiencing disorder. The different interest of Thailand’s people led them to many coup attempts and revolution to overthrow the government. The delivery of political and individual’s rights in an authoritarian rule would be very contrary to the concept of military regimes, the aspiration of the people to attain political and individual rights had been addressed by the present government. The regime of military in Thailand political setting is based on their monarchial history and inherited by the society. The outrageous reaction of youth leaders is also the factor that brought Thailand to military regime. The disorder on their society invites an authoritarian regime to promulgate discipline into the society. The abuse of the use of military power encourages the society to revolt and to overthrow the authoritarian regime. The society puts an end to the authoritarian regime in Thailand.

            The Thailand democracy and its fall, the insufficiency of the democratic establishment on Thailand’s government faced challenges that led them to failure. After an authoritarian regime the youth scholars experimented a democratic form of government, there representatives are elected and appointed by the elites. The protest of the society against the democratic experiment has escalated and disorder in their political setting comes. The stability of the democratic form of government is challenge by different sector of the society. The democratic government has been a failure addressing the interest of Thailand socio-political aspects. The successive shifts on Thailand’s political setting have put a devastating effect on their political, economical and social stability.

            The birth of new political system of Thailand, the establishment of military regime to serves as a vanguard against communism. Abolishing all democratic institution to have genuine authoritarian regime to secure the national interest and hindered the penetration of communism. The authoritarian rule with a package of liberalism to secure them from the threat of communism and a strong drive towards reunifying the society of Thailand, ensuring the order in the society is the primary focus of the authoritarian regime. Their aspiration of Thailand government to formulate a political system that will address the problems of the society has begging to crystallize. The semi-democratic emerged from the Thailand political system, the aspiration of Thailand to have a government that will fit their culture has been materialized in the semi-democratic form. Its neither authoritarianism nor pure democracy but a mixture of two ideology that compliment with their chaotic political system. The effectiveness of the semi-democratic form on Thailand’s political setting is reached its stability. The present Thailand political system can be called neither a democracy nor an authoritarian system. It falls between the two political modes but has been shifting incrementally away from semi-democratic towards democracy. The semi-democratic model, which was a political compromise between the bureaucratic and non-bureaucratic forces, has been under pressure both externally and internally (Thailand: A Stable Semidemocratic). The semi-democratic setting of Thailand promised a thrust towards democracy, the substantial aspiration of Thailand to gear towards democracy is a long journey for the Thai’s political setting. The disadvantages of both authoritarian and democracy are the factor that puts Thailand in a great agony. The political inconsistency of Thailand led them to pursue a semi-democratic form of government.

            For my conclusion, the search of Thailand’s government for a type of government that is suitable for their inconsistency and political disturbance has been found in the form of  mixture of authoritarian and democracy, the semi-democracy. All Asian countries have hard finding the missing essential element on how they can pursue democracy. The diversity of the Orientals led them to seek a hybrid government or political system. The ideology from the western hemisphere is somehow find it way to cope with the extreme and diverse culture of Asia. Thailand illustrate that aspiring democratization would not be impossible for the Asian nations. The complex inhabitants of Asia show significant transformation on how a foreign ideology will fit their custom. In the case of Thailand democratization, the time will come for them to deliver full democratic government to its people and resolving the agony of inconsistency.

           

            The semi-democratic form government is an indication of the complexity of the field study of politics; you cannot determine what will be done by different political thinkers. The customization of different ideology is an evolution on our age, the filtration of good factors on every political system until it will attain the highest form of government. It is observed around the world that the mixing of different forms, type and ideologies is a factor reaching success in governing. The ideal prospect of every government around the world will meet its solution, the Thailand political context show a well-defined pursuance towards democratization. The quest of different nation to acquire democracy will come to an end and the solution will be determined by their vigilant aim to pursue democratization

The Republic of Korea: Pluralizing Politics (Article Review)

            The dynamics of South Korean government provides its people a lesson for establishing a government that suits their culture. Korea had been a great illustration of substantial nation geared towards democracy. Classified as one of the four tigers in Asia with a great performance in economical aspect and big player in the Asian and international trade. The challenges of Korean government on how they will practice democracy with some consideration to their customs and providing a model of government that will not collapse easily. The authoritarian regimes that devastated the Korean society and feared to become a cultural dilemma that will hinder development of their democracy and economic, basically Korea’s success towards development lies on their political and economical stableness.  The challenge is the maintenance of Korean democracy to elude their past authoritarian identity. The democratization of Asian countries meets at one end, the adaptation of western ideology to fit in an oriental setting. The concept of authoritarian is rooted on the Asian culture; monarchial context is the primary government system that effectively develops the Korean’s political awareness. The unification problem of the North and the South, the rise of conflict between the two Korean countries will put the South Korean government to disorder. The contrary of political ideology is the major factor engaging to war and will put Korea in grave threat. The South Korea must only focus on the maintenance of their strong government in the course of political, economical and social development.

            A vanguard against authoritarian regime, Korean people aspires for a democratic government that will ensure their development. Korea’s history illustrates the disorder or inconsistency of their government in pursuing democracy because of the rise of authoritarian regimes. Addressing the threat of authoritarian regimes is an essential to fortify the democratic government of South Korea. The unification of North and South triggers a devastating effect on both countries especially in the political and economical aspect. Democratization of South Korea opens an opportunity to develop their economical aspect. The strong fight against authoritarian regime is embedded to the Republic of Korea. Ensuring the democratic rule over an authoritarian regime is an essential factor to accomplish the economical competency of South Korea. In some point the authoritarian regime in Korea help to build the civic virtue of its people and it is the factor that raised the economical status of South Korea. The South Korea is classified as “development to democracy” the civic virtue attained from an authoritarian regime increased the economic performance of South Korea. Politically, South Korea had been achieved political maturity and fight against corruption and abuse of political power is the fierce advocacy of Korea’s government. The strong political will of every leader in South Korea had been the significant political norms that led them to a success performance in political and compliment with their economical aspects.

            One of the most economic boosters of Asian market, the South Korea is labeled as one of Asia’s tigers. Having an economic success increasing more than 100 time of their Gross National Product or GN is a significant factor that helps South Korea to attain development. Their economic success that gives South Korea an initiative for proving freedom or the road to democratization, economical tigers of Asia is the most contributors in economical aspect in Asian market.  Economically independent, South Korea can stand without the aid of the United States. The economical competency of South Korea opens a lot of opportunity to affirm their political system and addressed the problems on civil society. The civic virtue of the people of South Korea developed through chaotic historical events is the most important thing in solid pursuance of democratic development. The competency of the people economically is engraved to their customs and will remain on their political and economical system.

            The issue of Korea’s unification, the North is in the road of communism which is very contrary to the political ideology of the South. The influence of United States impinging the democracy in South Korea fortifies the priorities of its government to attain development. The question on how they will maintain their race in one government with different ideologies will always invites the rise of conflicts between the two states. The South Korea is a republic government and the pluralizing politics is the mainstream of their government, derived from the genuine democracy.  The unification of North and South would be impossible unless the North considers the democratic form of government. In theory, the two ideologies are very contrary to each other and have a deep history on what is the better political ideology. Unlike in the case of China where communism with a flavor of liberalism, the Korea is separated unlike in the context of China and it practical to combine the two ideologies because of the conservativeness of Korea’s culture. The road of democracy of South Korea will be an essential factor towards economical success. The unification issue must be the least prioritized by the government and shall focus on the development of their political and economical aspect as a different country from the North.

            Wrapping it up, the development of three aspects of the society or the political, economical and social or cultural are the factors that are essential for attaining success. In theory, there are no absolute or perfect government, economical status and harmonious society. The South Korean government is giving much concern regarding on the development of the three aspect of the society. They address the diverse problems of the society by means of delivering good governance; the eradication of poverty is not a big problem for Korea. South Korean government shows that in the presence of economical development will accommodate the challenges faced by the political system, it is an indication of development first, then the reward of freedom in a more democratic form of government.

            For the conclusion, the democracy promoted by the westerners that is introduced to the Asian country is somehow customized to suit the diversity of the Orientals. The economic system offered by a democratic form is an essential factor for the uprising of the political and social development in South Korea. The open-market economical system is a boost for acknowledging the exploitation of Asia’s resources towards development. The challenges faced by the South Korean democracy have been experienced by the developing countries in Asia, and South Korea’s combat against the democratic deficits cause by informal political norms practices has been uplift the South Korea’s aspiration towards development.

            The development of South Korea has been determined as an Asian’s success in engaging in international market and boost not only Korea’s economic aspect but the whole oriental region. The political maturity of Korea’s government is attained in a short period of time compare to other Asian countries. The economical aspect that contributes a huge factor on uplifting Asia’s economy and South Korea being labeled as one of the economic tigers of Asia. And most of all the society that is very vigilant on observing the punctuality of its government and their participation on the economic activities of Korea, the development of civic virtue and political maturity have a huge impact on the success of South Korea in regional and international level.

                                                 

India: Democratic Becoming and Development Transitions (Article Review)

            The challenge facing the development in India is its diverse ethnicity and whether their gearing with democracy will be the key for their development. This review intends to determine the key factor of India’s government to pursue their development. The effect of liberalization of India to address their differences for pursuing development, first the standard of education offered in India is not compatible for their diverse population. There is some racial discrimination and the elites handle the power for their own sake while the most people in India suffer illiterateness in political, economical and social discrimination. Because of the high-level of illiterate, Indian people has a low civic virtue wherein they are not capable of protesting to address their grievances and lack of cooperation because of diversity. The ethnical diversity is a major factor why India’s development seems hard to observed, the racial discrimination and the impotency of the government to provide good governance to its people. The formations of government institution are weak and the interference of western nation to the decision making of the government has a huge impact on the challenges faced by the Indian government. This is an attempt to see an in-depth analytical observation on the factors of the deficits on India’s government. It will focus on the three major factors that are essential to development and the hindrances to the road of development of India’s government. Asian countries have facing a great challenge to install western democracy to their government. The wave of democratization seems a big influence for the aspiration of Asian countries to offer a democratic type of government. India is performing well in economical aspect, gaining a high-rate in their gross national product (GNP) but the rate of poverty is dramatically increasing. The reason for this uncomplimentary effect is the ethnic diversity, wherein there are racial discrimination and religious conflicts. It is very common to an Asian country to have diverse culture, religion and poverty occurrence that may serves as reasons for their slow development. The wise utilization of public funds and a great allotment on education will be the essential matter for pursuance of development. The formulation for establishing government to fit the diverse ethnicity and to address communal problems that results in social disorder, the equal representation of different beliefs and interest is an essential factor to unite India’s people. 

            The liberal-democracy of India is performing well in increasing its economical performance it is credited to those elite who runs the government. The hunt for development is in a new form of political system is gradually noticed, transitional development is somehow the key to India’s development. The developing countries like India have a hard time finding the missing factor to attain a developed nation. The democratization offers a great opportunity to achieve development, but it is the ideal perception of the westerners. The formation of good of government would not show an importance because of illiteracy in politics. The development of ethnic groups of India depends on the delivery of service of the government; the basic factor that is in need is education for developing Indian’s civic virtue. The road to democracy is aspired by most of Asian countries but every Asian country faces a great challenge. The challenge is how to fit the democratic form of government in an originally monarchial type of government and with the diverse ethnicity or different religious beliefs. Their constructive initiative was directed toward language reform, legal reform, establishing a vernacular press, depending the freedom of press, and articulating the rights of women, particularly widows ( India: Democratic Becoming and Development Transitions- Jyotirindra Das Gupta). The deficiency of India’s democratic institution to provide information to its people to be used as a weapon to seek redresses for their grievances and may give an initiative to reform India’s government. In democratic theory, democracy allows people to participate on the decision making of the government and it is the deficits of India’s government to address the problem of diversity.

            Improving their identity, being nationalism is a major contribution on the development of a nation. The colonial interventions of westerners are the reason for the disorder of India’s society. Let the Indian people find an answer to their communal conflicts, the formulation of a government by representing different inhabitants in India would create a better government that can address the problems of Indian society. Racial representation must be part of the goal of the government, to acknowledge the different inhabitants in India. Understanding the diversity must put into the Indian political context; the political mechanism of India must surely determine the rights to pursue human development. The contribution of the society will be the biggest factor to attain the genuine democracy that will deliver India to development. Developing countries have problems setting their priorities towards development; India is focusing on the security of their territory and putting a huge investment to military. Admittedly such balancing acts are favored by the configuration of social division, structural diversities, and the ecological differences in a complex country like India (India: Democratic Becoming and Development Transitions- Jyotirindra Das Gupta). The government must formulate policies or establishment of institution that will address the differences of Indian people. Unity of different inhabitants shall be the primary focus of the national government, providing a general Indian identity among different ethnicity to form a unity.

            Looking back on the history of India, a colonial hangover makes it difficult for many to accept the form of democracy has attained by making those people speak for and rule themselves (India: Democratic Becoming and Development Transitions- Jyotirindra Das Gupta). The colonial mentality of the Indian makes them hard to understand a foreign form of government and the privileges to speak or represent themselves to the government. That mentality is engraved into the Indian culture until Mohandas Ghandi introduced the concept of unity among diverse ethnicity in India. Racial ideology the dominates the Indian culture has begun to evolved into an one general identity but the challenge facing the democracy and development in India is cause by successive discrimination of religious beliefs.

            The electoral process has seemed to be like in other Asian countries, the most powerful and well-known are the one who can only win the election. The use of popularity and greed is the thing that is essential to attain power.  The riches and elites can only participate in the national election; there is no definite representation of different class and ethnicity. The participation of common people to govern themselves has not come to maturity. Political maturity is a basic element to have a society can pursue development.

            For the conclusion, the development of India is determined on how they will effectively organize and run the democratic institutions to pursue their development. The efficiency of the government delivering basic service and generalizing the concept of unity among diverse ethnicity in India must be prioritized by the government. The development of India is complimented with the political maturity of its people and a strong political will that put an end to racial discrimination. The determination of the Indian people to achieved peace and unity on the challenges faced by the diverse inhabitants of India will be attained with a democratic form of government. It is a matter of educating your people and providing a full support of the government for human development. The development of political, economical and social lies into the determination of Indian people to pursue development. Mobilizing the society toward a good government will be the most efficient to attain maturity in the Indian political, economical and social aspect.

Combating Corruption in the Philippines: What can be learned? (Comparative Approach: Singapore to Philippines)

        Corruption is being observed around the world and all institutions are prone to corruption. An exchange to rush or to haste the process, giving privileges to an individual with compensation describes the act of corruption. In the Philippine political setting corruption is rampantly observed, and Philippine is the one of the most corrupt country around the world. Is corruption is really inevitable? How can we determine corruption? There is no exact determination on what to be considered as a corrupt action. Reducing corruption is a hard task to do; combating corruption in the Philippines will be challengeable for the government itself and for the people who do not know the limitations and description of a corrupt action. Corruption is not just getting money; it also affects the future of a country and its people. In Southeast Asia Philippines consistently rank low in Political and Economical Risk Consultancy (PERC) and in Corruption Perception Index (CPI) for international level. Corruption is misuse of government power and funds for other purpose and for self-benefit. This study is a comparative research, it illustrate the key factors to lessen or to reduce corruption in the Philippines. Singapore is one of the leading less-corrupt country around the world; this study will distinguish the factors that decrease the corruption in Singapore and other developing countries that may be applicable in the Philippine context. Do the Southeast Asian countries perform well in combating corruption except in the Philippines, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Indonesia? The developing countries seem to be prone in the practice of corruption. Corruption is resulted by weak implementation of laws, impotent political will, the practice of informal institutions and other form that invites the practice of corruption.

          The Philippine context, in every institution corruption is observed. Poverty and political immaturity is the cause of corruption. In the Spaniard colonization corruption is the cause of many revolutions; corruption is a problem older than any anti-corruption institutions in the Philippines. Corruption in the Philippines is beginning to be a custom or corruption has become a way of life, people do not seek to redress laws for combating corruption. In the declaration of martial law by Pres. Ferdinand Marcos in 1972, many actions by the government are not exposed to the public because of the government controls the press. In the time of Marcos era and up to the present administration, corruption has a retrograde effect. Many anti-corruption institutions in the Philippines lost their credibility to fight against corruption. These institutions are use by individuals to benefit their selves or to please a higher leader. It is getting more severe, corruption is like a disease the spreads to different sectors in the community. Not only in the government corruption occurred, in private sector, in media and civil society corruption is also enjoyed. The ratification of anti-corruption institutions will eliminate corruption but it is a big help to lessen or to limit corruption. Philippines scored 2.6 in Corruption Perception Index 2011 and the Philippines is in rank 129.

          In Singapore, corruption is a fact of life rather than a way of life. The way Singaporeans think is very real, they admit that corruption is inevitable and the only thing that they can do is to lessen the practice of corruption. In Singapore, those found guilty of corrupt behavior are punished accordingly regardless of their position or status in society. Singaporeans are equally in terms of punishment in doing such crimes, it is an indication that their government has a strong will or there are rigid in law execution. All Southeast Asian countries admire Singapore for their rapid development and will to fight against corruption. Singapore is at number five less-corrupt country around the world, they score 9.2 based on Corruption Perception Index or CPI in 2011.

          See the big difference of Philippines and Singapore in every factors of fight against corruption. What can be learned on these empirical data? First, we must identify what is corruption, identifying the problem would be essential fighting the problem. The Philippine norms are one key factor that boosts the prevalence of corruption in the government and society. The government must address the issue regarding corruption. Fortification of laws and policies will be a big help to reduce the practice of corruption, we cannot totally eliminate corruption and we must accept that fact. The equal punishment to law violators and no one should be excused; like in Singapore they have a stiff law implementation. The grassroots of corruption is inequality. Those people in power can do whatever they want to bribe an anti-corruption institution to hide their wrong deeds, and those in authority can extort money by use of power especially the concept of “police power”. Secondly, we must learn from the past. Learning from the past and making things better will be an essential factor to develop our maturity, attaining maturity is a development. Filipinos must participate or can show their grievances for a faster solution. Laws must be obeyed at all times, and the strong implementation of Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for public officials. We must know what are the things that we want and pursue it. We don’t have any problem in the structure of our government, the problem lies into the culture of the people. Technically, Philippine problem lies on individual deeds, for example, a boy stealing money from the wallet of his mother. This is corruption, and our culture tolerating it. It is not the issue of how much or how many but corruption is the issue of stealing or getting what is not yours. We do not have a crystal clear concept of corruption, is the example above is a form of corruption? If yes, then a boy must be punished by the law. Corruption does not only occur in the government, corruption is everywhere. In the Philippine setting corruption is a way of life, doing wrong is a way of life.

         

          In mid-19^th century Philippine was the leader in economic is Asia, at this time Philippine is always at the last in good things and leading in doing bad. How the Philippine acquired this curse? It is the result of multiple social distortion and colonization. Filipinos do not know who they are, it is a long process of development and it is called maturity. Combating corruption in the Philippines is very hard to fulfill, the strong will of the present administration to fight corruption is a long journey to have a good result. It is not an instant process; it will require many years to attain. We must educate all our people to be conscious on this idea, for us to be able to know what’s for us and what’s not. The problems of our corruptions are inevitable and it is older than any existing leaders in our time. We are political immature, hence our political system full of corruption. To end corruption is too impossible we are a number one client of informal political norms and we have a profound recognition of these traditions that affects the effective governance of our government. Majority of our countrymen are unfamiliar with the righteous and just leadership, they thought that corruption is part of public service. The practice of corruption is rampantly express by the national and local officials of our government, and maybe it is their reward for themselves for serving the public. Politician now a days are also businessman, so they tend to corrupt after winning the election. Corruption in the Philippines is obviously seen and people cannot determine if an action is a practice of corruption. That is the main problem of our society, people are not participating regarding the issue of corruption or they have no idea what can they do to combat corruption. The best example is the impeachment of C.J. Renato Corona; some people probably don’t know what the sole purpose of impeachment it is because the government is giving limited information to the public. That is another form of corruption, lack of transparency.

          It is a big debate on how can we fight corruption, some suggest an overhaul process or charter change and other requires only political maturity. It is a big question on how to solve corruption, and probably it takes hundreds of years to develop an institution that can fight against corruption. It is the call of duty for the people to demand redress to at least reduce corruption. It is simply chained to every negative factor of the society, base on the Transparency International, the occurrence of corruption is on the depress countries, with social conflicts and where poverty resides. It is like a reciprocal effect, corruption may be the cause of poverty and poverty may be cause of corruption.

          Corruption is inevitable, eliminating corruption is very impossible to attain. The ignorance of the people invites clever individuals to take advantage. Even in developed countries like in Singapore corruptions exist. The right thing to do is to accept the fact that corruptions exist and it is permanent to every institution around the world. What can the Philippines learned in other less-corrupt countries? A gradual solution for every problem of corruption, just do not haste every opportunity. People must always take their part demanding for the redress of the government. Only the people can make the government accountable, by the use of a mature thinking. Creating an anti-corruption institution and programs can show significant and rapid results to lessen corruption. The people must know what are the forms of corruption for them to be able to show that they know who is corrupt and who is not. The freedom of information must be ratified, and all democratic institution in the Philippines shall be guided by a strong leadership. Corruption is like a ball of snow, once it's set a rolling it must increase. So it must be stop in the first drop, preventing is always the better solution. Corruption is the greatest spoiler of the society and government officials. The concept of money and power makes corruption inevitable, eliminate money and power will eliminate corruption.

Democratic deficiency in the Philippines: a case study towards Charter Change (Political Parties/Electoral Reform and Political Dynasty)

The rampant expression of informal institutions in the Philippine context resulted in democratic deficiency that may lead to Charter Change. Political parties are representation of the diverse culture of a nation under democracy. It is an indicator of democratization, but how effective are the political parties pursuing their platform for the benefit of their people? There is a deficit in an institution that suppose to provide empowerment to pursue the betterment of the people, thereof political parties is use for other means instead of representing a group of people. Political parties are used by the elites, riches and political clans to lure groups of people for their support, after attaining their political goal they simply abandon the party for a greater opportunity in other party by means of “turncoatism”. An individual able to change his party and will join the much stronger coalition. A party is a vehicle to get into the power, as machines crafted for the sole purpose of winning election, they soon collapse after a crushing political defeat (Manasca, Rodelio and Tan, Alexander 2005). It is used to enter the beneficial circle of politics. These political norms are used by political clans to maintain their incumbency. Political clans are securing their tenure for the benefits and privileges that they acquire; they use the public funds for financing their candidacy. It is a reciprocal effect, in the end of their term their relatives will take over for one term until they utilized all their relatives to prolong their tenure or incumbency. Maintaining their power is their main objectives. Political seat is like an object that can transfer and reacquire by means of succession. By the use of three G’s there clans that are almost permanent to political arena. In the presence of an election political clans deny that they are political dynasties but bossism is somehow an evolution and the new form of political dynasty. The use of informal political norms like patron-client relation, bossism and other forms in every democratic institution in the Philippines will put danger to maintain our present charter and may always result to constitutional crisis that will lead to charter change.

An in depth view to Political Parties/Electoral Reform, the objective of Philippine multi-party system is to represent different ideology, groups of people, culture and religion. It is an indicator of democratization, so as election. The idea behind the construction of political parties in the Philippines is to voice out the small voices of different groups of people for a better policy formulation. The effectiveness of a democratic institution lies towards good administration and the greater good must be always observed. There are so many loopholes in the Philippine Charter and it is a sign of opportunity for manipulating the system by different politicians. The rampant use of electoral fraud is being the primary problems in Philippine setting, especially in the local levels where political clans have dominion. The use of public funds to finance their candidacy seems to begin a custom, so the incumbent official has a great advantage to win the election. The present design of election is somehow favorably for those incumbent officials who have access to the public funds and other resources and so political dynasties emerged. The utilization of public resources is the great advantage of incumbent officials and an illustration of unequal opportunity in participating in the elections. Most probably the elites, riches and political clans can only avail to participate in any election, so that is why small people cannot pursue their needs or totally represent them in the congress. Electoral process is democratic institution made to represent people but it is use as a route of some individuals aspiring political power. Political parties are crafted as a political machine for the purpose of winning the election and by luring small people for their support it is clearly a patron-client relationship. The informal political norms are being dominant in the Philippine political system and will always affect the punctuality of every democratic institution especially the election and political parties.

Electoral frauds, sabotages and corruptions are acute illness of our electoral process. The election that is the main identity of democracy faces the greatest challenge. Election is the time where people enter in a relationship with the candidates and it is either formal or informal relationship. Patron-Client relationship is the mutual relationship between two parties; it gives some privileges to both party but it is more beneficial to those who offer material privileges than those who offer their votes and supports.

Political Dynasties is the Philippine political setting is very rampantly observed especially in the local levels. Political clans are spread all around the Philippines. Arroyo Clan in Pampanga and Negros Occidental, Marcos Clan in Ilocos Norte, Ampatuan Clan in Maguindanao, Angara Clan in Aurora, Aquino Clan in Tarlac, Singson Clan in Ilocos Sur, Osmeña Clan in Cebu and Ortega Clan in La Union. These families are well known for their political career because they stayed in power older than a college student and these political clans are the ones who dominated the national or local election. These families denied to be called dynasty because of the presence of an election and people choose them, but the impotency of our charter provides an opportunity to maintain their power by simply using political machinery. Bossism is the evolution of political dynasty; it is the prolongation of political power by use of any means. Patron-Client relation is somehow a huge factor to maintain political power, it is a mutual relation between the upper-class and lower class which aims to benefits each other reciprocally. These are the two main reason of why can a politicians maintain their supremacy in their localities. Political clans are also landlords so they can control the economy and the society. The lower-class believed that it is the best to maintain my economic stableness and social security provided by their Patron (Political Ruler) than to change their customs. Patron-Client relation may be observed in rural areas where local elite are also landlords and bossism may be observed in a highly-develop and marginalize urban areas, as in the case of Makati City, the Binay’s stayed for more than two decades. The key factor for Bossism is the Political Machinery, giving the highest standard of living may be included in the machinery. Even though how positive or good the motives of an individual it is technically wrong based on our Charter to prolong or extend a political power.

The significant reason to pursue Charter Change in the Philippines is the intervention of informal political norms in democratic institutions that resulted to democratic deficits. Lack of accountability, responsibility and political “turncoatism” are the democratic deficits of Political Parties that invites reformation of the charter. Terms must be shortened and competitive individuals must able participate in election equally without resources. This is the common problems of the Philippine election; only the rich can participate or can fund national and local election. Electoral reform must be immediately applied for at least providing remedy for democratic deficits. Parliament is the best form of political system for representation of marginalized sector, it fortify the coalition of political parties. Parliament offers much greater continuity and accountability, if the prime minister is performing at his best; his tenure will secured and if he is a corrupt official, by simply casting a “no confidence vote” the prime minister can be ousted. Ratifying Philippine charter will be essential to develop our democratic maturity. Political coalition will be strengthened and political platform will be clearer and distinctive.

Political Dynasty is an old way of maintaining political power but it can be observed until the Philippine charter is amended or totally changed. The security of tenure, the three consecutive terms and a re-election after an intervention on a term or three terms are just example loopholes of our present charter. Amendment of the 1987 Constitution will be more essential pursuing democratic efficiency. Political clans must be restricted performing succession of power in political arena; huge lands must be distributed to local farmers so there is no reason to have patron-client ties. The limitation of term and specific understanding and jurisprudence of the law, Philippine charter must be understandable even in primary school level. Strong enforcement of the law is always the main factor to solve or to weaken the domination of informal institution, which creates democratic deficits. Abolish the creation of private armies; it is a big contribution for elimination of political dynasties. People must always that they have a choice to pick from and to have a clearer understanding to their rights and obligation as a citizen of the Philippines, people must secure the only thing that can change everything, to vote, and they must do it with responsible and wisely.

The Philippine Charter needs to re-examine to determine the loopholes and then provide a solution. It is a matter of strong law formulation and law execution that may lead us to effective governance. Total overhaul of the Philippine political setting is very essential to pursue political development, so as democratic efficiency. The overall solution is change; we must understand that our present charter is not so effective pursuing the dream of every Filipinos. The new charter can provide equal opportunity to political, social and economical aspect of life. What can satisfy the masses? One thing can surely satisfy the masses, to make them happy. Providing basic needs to different sector of the society will make them happy, by parliament the political parties will be more accountable and responsible promoting development to the sector they represent. Change is inevitable and this is the right opportunity towards changes.