Political Reforms in the Philippines: Challenges Ahead

While Filipinos reclaimed their political rights after the downfall of Marcos in February 1986, scholars began wondering about the outcome of political reforms in the archipelago. This article argues that although the Philippines has moved from an authoritarian regime to an electoral democracy, liberal democracy has not yet matured in the country. The key reason is that there are challenges ahead in the ongoing process of political transition in the archipelago, including the threat of military coups and secessionist movements, slow economic growth, and the need to evolve a sustainable democratic culture.