How to Stand Up to a Dictator: The Fight for Our Future

How to Stand up to a Dictator is deeply rooted in the Philippines’ complex journey towards democracy, a struggle that has been marked by periods of authoritarianism, popular uprisings, and ongoing challenges to democratic institutions.

The modern struggle for democracy in the Philippines can be traced back to the Marcos era. Ferdinand Marcos, elected president in 1965, declared martial law in 1972, effectively establishing a dictatorship. During his regime, Marcos and his allies amassed enormous wealth through corruption, while many Filipinos suffered under political repression and economic hardship. This period saw the suppression of free media, with Marcos shutting down major news outlets like ABS-CBN.

Marcos’s assassination of opposition leader Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr., in 1983 marked a turning point. His death galvanized popular opposition to Marcos, culminating in the People Power Revolution of 1986. This peaceful uprising saw millions of Filipinos take to the streets. The revolution forced Marcos from power and installed Corazon Aquino, Ninoy’s widow, as president. The People Power Revolution became a model for non-violent protest movements worldwide and ushered in a period of democratic restoration in the Philippines. However, the transition was not without challenges. The new democracy faced multiple coup attempts, highlighting the fragility of the newly established order.

Subsequent administrations, including those of Fidel Ramos (1992-1998) and Joseph Estrada (1998-2001), saw efforts to stabilize democracy and boost economic growth. However, corruption remained a persistent issue. Estrada’s presidency ended prematurely with his impeachment and removal from office in 2001, following accusations of corruption. This event, sometimes called “People Power II,” demonstrated both the strength of popular will and ongoing challenges to democratic governance.

Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s presidency (2001-2010) was marked by economic growth, but also allegations of corruption and electoral fraud. Her administration faced several coup attempts and protests, reflecting ongoing political instability. The election in 2010 of Benigno Aquino III, the son of Ninoy and Corazon Aquino, was seen as a return to the ideals of the People Power Revolution. His administration focused on anti-corruption efforts and economic reforms. However, critics argued that these reforms did not go far enough in addressing systemic issues.

The election of Rodrigo Duterte in 2016 marked a significant shift in Philippine politics. Duterte’s presidency was characterized by a controversial so-called war on drugs, which human rights organizations criticized for extrajudicial killings. His administration also saw increased pressure on media organizations, including legal challenges to Rappler, the news organization co-founded by Maria Ressa.

Throughout this period, the Philippines has grappled with issues that challenge its democratic institutions. Corruption remains a significant issue in Philippine politics and society, despite various anti-corruption initiatives. The persistence of political dynasties, where many offices are held by members of a few powerful families, limits genuine democratic representation. The use of extrajudicial violence, particularly evident in Duterte’s drug war, has raised concerns about human rights and the rule of law. Moreover, repression threatening press freedom has been ongoing. Attempts to silence or control media outlets have been observed across different administrations, with varying degrees of intensity. The rise of social media has brought new challenges, with the spread of disinformation influencing political discourse and electoral outcomes. This digital landscape has become a new battleground for democratic values. Additionally, economic inequality remains a persistent challenge. Despite periods of economic growth, significant wealth disparities persist, undermining democratic participation. The concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few distorts the democratic process and limits opportunities for many Filipinos.

The election of Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., son of the former dictator, as president in 2022 has raised new questions about the direction of Philippine democracy. His victory, facilitated in part by social media campaigns that some critics argue distorted historical narratives about the Marcos regime, highlights the ongoing complexities of the Philippines democratic journey.