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Duterte's Leadership vs Democratic Pluralism
Dec 7, 2024
Duterte is Singular, Democracy Plural
Key Themes
Examination of how President Duterte's leadership style reflects a singular approach compared to the pluralistic nature required in democracy.
The contrast between local "padrino" politics and national pluralist politics.
The challenges of implementing democratic pluralism under Duterte's administration.
Background
Author
: Bryan Dennis Gabito Tiojanco
Source
: Philippine Daily Inquirer, May 3, 2018
Main Points
Leadership Style
Duterte behaves as a "boss-mayor," an extension of his role as Davao City mayor.
Governance compared to local "padrino" politics, which emphasizes patronage and factionalism.
Padrino Politics
Characteristics
:
Patronage-based, with factions taking turns in power.
Divides population into in-group (e.g., "Dutertards") and out-group ("Dilawans").
Catchphrases
: "Tatay Digong" (obedience to Duterte as a father figure) and "weather-weather lang" (cyclic nature of power shifts).
Historical backdrop: Grew post-WWII but was reborn post-Edsa Revolution.
Pluralist Politics
Needs coalitions, compromises, and cooperative policymaking.
Works by integrating various groups, electoral winners and losers.
Concerns with Duterte's Presidency
Duterte’s approach sidelining constitutional pluralism.
Attacks on Chief Justice, Ombudsman, opposition senators, and press.
Push towards national padrino politics, reminiscent of Marcos era.
Unchecked power as dangerous on a national level.
Democratic Principles
Democracy is not just rule by a present majority but various majorities over time.
Constitutional democracy requires pluralist governance, respecting institutional prerogatives of past victors.
Duterte's governance seen as a move to dismantle these safeguards.
Conclusion
Current administration needs to respect constitutional frameworks.
Critique of the notion of supporting Duterte's mandate without demanding adherence to democratic pluralism.
Author's Credentials
Bryan Dennis Gabito Tiojanco holds a JSD from Yale Law School and will be a postdoctoral fellow at the National University of Singapore.
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https://opinion.inquirer.net/112893/duterte-singular-democracy-plural