It was a long, painful process of death. It began after the nation was put under martial law in 1972 and elections became highly controlled exercises. Organized party engagement in elections never recovered from this.
In 1987, a Constitution was hurriedly written and quickly passed in plebiscite. That vital document originally intended a shift to a unicameral parliamentary system. It provided for a multi-party system resembling the European pattern of representation.
At the last moment, one swing vote shifted the form of government back to a US-style presidential system. Given the rush to bring a new Constitution into place, all the provisions in the document suited for a parliamentary government were left unaltered. This is the reason we continue to quarrel over whether the two chambers of Congress vote jointly or separately over proposed amendments.
Over the years, we battled over the strange party-list system embedded in the Constitution and failed to enact any legislation that would ban political dynasties. We were never sure if the party-list system intended to amplify political party representation or ensure minority ideological factions survive. We never arrived at a common understanding about what "sectoral representation" meant.
What we did adopt was term limits. There is no final judgment on whether this works better for our democracy. It arbitrarily limits the tenure in elective office of competent officials. Even as it does, it encouraged whole families to enter electoral politics to substitute each other to defy the intentions of term limits.
This story is from the October 10, 2024 edition of The Philippine Star.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 10, 2024 edition of The Philippine Star.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Star-studded gala to serve as prelude to MMFF's golden edition
\"We're offering many activities to promote the Philippine movie industry.\"
HOW SAMANTHA PANLILIO IS MAKING HER MARK BEYOND THE 'HEIRESS' TAG
Samantha is one of People Asia's 'Women of Style and Substance' this year. She's also part of the publication's October-November issue cover.
Forest Lake builds legacy as premier memorial park developer
Forest Lake continues to uphold its commitment to compassionate care, innovative services and customer-centric core values - factors that, to this day, help the industry pioneer sustain its position in the deathcare industry.
MerryMart opens largest standalone store
The MerryMart Group of tycoon Edgar \"Injap\" Sia II has opened in Tarlac its largest standalone grocery, marking the 135th branch of its supermarket, with expansion in eight more on the line.
Vivant exits Watermatic Phl
Listed energy and water conglomerate Vivant Corp. is selling its 60-percent stake in Watermatic Philippines Corp. (WMP) to its joint venture partner, Israel-based WaterMatic International Ltd.
Figaro brews up slight name change
Food business Figaro Coffee Group Inc. (FCG) is no longer just brewing up expansion plans, but also cooking up a name change to include the non-coffee ventures in its portfolio.
HEADS UP, NEW GRADUATES: SM's job fairs got it all for you
SM J.O.B.S. continues to provide employment opportunities for job seekers, particularly to new graduates who recently entered the labor force. From July to September, SM Supermalls hosted more than 40 job fairs across the country, helping more than 25,000 job seekers connect with employers.
Digital banks face asset quality risks
AMID GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
Red flags and vital signs
HR: 57 BP: 110/70 RR:18 Temp: 36.4 This information is sent to me through our CG (group chat), which monitors the patient's condition. These are called vital signs. Vital signs are critical indicators of a patient's essential body functions and are routinely observed in hospitals to assess and track a patient's health status.
Aboitiz Foods opens $45-M Vietnam feed mill
Aboitiz Foods, the integrated food and business arm of the Aboitiz Group, inaugurated last week its $45-million modern feed mill in Vietnam as it seeks to solidify its footprint in Southeast Asia.