Good governance has been a timeless pursuit in societies throughout history. In a democratic setting where ideas and opinions clash, the need for good governance becomes even more crucial. Governance is constantly scrutinized and judged by the diverse range of perspectives it encounters. Even at its best, there will always be sectors demanding more or seeking alternative approaches. The Philippines is no exception to this phenomenon. From my earliest days as a schoolboy, I recall hearing calls for good governance. It seems that every election cycle begins with this demand. Without room for change and improvement, how can we elect new leaders to replace the current ones? Throughout the years, as I gained the right to vote and witnessed numerous elections, the chorus for good governance persisted. Now, in 2023, marking 59 years since Filipino self-governance began, it is evident that the struggles for effective governance have continued. Previous assertions of independence in 1898 were merely vocalized desires that were never realized in practice. Instead, I will consider the period from 1946 to 2023 as the span of Filipino governance open to praise and criticism. And criticize we have, as history has demonstrated. The outcomes have been undesirable for the most part, with only a few instances of success when measuring them against the criticisms expressed by the public. Many older generations, who are still alive today, often mention that the Philippines was only surpassed by Japan from the end of World War II until the 1960s. Since then, starting with the imposition of martial law, we have experienced a continuous downward spiral that is seemingly irreparable. This is why the call for good governance persists, growing louder and more frequent as the country’s state worsens. It is not merely the majority’s poverty and the rampant corruption that are driving factors for the demand for serious change. The sluggish pace of economic and moral progress, wherever it may be found, is also a fundamental reason. However, over the past 20 years, I have come to realize that good governance is implausible given our current circumstances and the level of democracy that characterizes our governance and citizenship. Let us consider that our ascent in Asia occurred during the nearly 50 years of American rule in the Philippines. When the United States departed in 1946 and Filipinos assumed governance, there was a slow and steady decline in everything that had elevated us to second place in the region, behind Japan. In other words, the accomplishments were primarily due to American rule rather than the actions of Filipinos themselves. Unfortunately, this decline continues. I am hesitant to explore our present standing, but I am aware that the pattern of deterioration persists, and it may not be long before we hit rock bottom. Which other countries in ASEAN and Asia are currently worse off than the Philippines? These are the regrettable outcomes of seven decades of demanding good governance. The desire was noble, but the results reveal our misplaced aspirations. So, was it wrong to seek good governance? No, not if we are operating within a democracy. However, it is indeed wrong if we are still trapped in a feudal state. It is inappropriate for the people to demand something they have not earned. In feudalism, only the ruling elite have the privilege to make demands. And if we measure their lifelong advantages, their control of power, authority, and accumulated wealth, the ruling elite have been remarkably successful. Who truly governs the Philippines? Who legitimately owns this nation? The answers to these questions will determine whether we live in a democracy or a feudal state. Good governance is an essential demand of democracy, for democracy is “of the people, by the people, for the people,” not “of the elite, by the elite, for the elite.” In a democracy, the primary calling is good citizenship – the practice of the people, by the people, for the people. Without democracy, the people have no right to demand good governance. Only the ruling elite can demand, and will demand, obedience in a non-democratic setting. Unfortunately, it appears that we, the people, are precisely yielding our obedience to those in power. Democracy is not a borrowed political system; it belongs to, arises from, and serves the people. It is up to us, the people, to lay the groundwork for a good Philippines through our work, determination, and courage. A good citizenry forms the foundation of a strong nation, and a good government can only follow. We cannot expect good governance without first cultivating and maturing our democracy. Productivity and progress stem from good citizenship. Contributing to the common good and governing a government that serves the people and upholds their interests are the responsibilities of good citizens in a functioning democracy. Unfortunately, we have yet to become that citizenry, and our democracy has not yet reached that level. I am aware that the road ahead will be exceptionally difficult. Democracy can hardly grow when half of Filipinos are well aware of their impoverishment, and another 30% fear facing a similar fate. How can citizens build a strong democracy and a strong nation when their fears and attention are consumed by the insecurity of having enough food? However, these same citizens are ideal subjects for the ruling elite of a feudal state. It is disheartening to realize that my generation lived under the illusion of democracy, assuming that public officials and employees were servants of the people, only to discover that this was not the case.
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