Today marks the 125th anniversary of Philippine Independence, where emblematic hues of red, blue, and white illuminate prominent landmarks and institutions across the country. One hundred twenty-five years of indulgence in liberty and emancipation from the shackles of foreign colonizers and enduring the shift of our socio-political and economic matrix, the Philippines have gone far, but that does not explicitly denote that our nation has made it so far from being a third-world state. It is the same one hundred twenty-five years of grappling on our soil, forcing us to make ends meet to barely survive the cycle of injustice and distortion. We are also reminded on this day of how our idea of independence becomes reliant on the people.
This Independence Day celebration highlights the theme "Freedom. Future. History," a powerful staccato dearly holding the living moments of Philippine historical manumission. Since independence, the Philippines has not ultimately freed itself from the dire and gray nation it was after the incursions. The nation went through times of political upheaval, economic instability, and social unrest. Despite the implementation of significant reforms in an effort to fortify democratic institutions, advance social progress, and boost living standards across the country, we are still miles away from seeing the Philippines as the country we want it to be.
In the light of freedom, as easy as it is to say that we Filipinos are free since we are recognized to have self-determination and sovereignty, it is also difficult to unsee the bureaucratic turbulence that recurringly flawed the framework of this thriving nation.
First, the system of government, democracy, is a tale as old as the yellow ribbon around the ole oak tree. In the 2022 Democracy Index managed by London-based think tank The Economist Intelligence Unit, the Philippines is considered a "flawed democracy," which indicates that while the country has free and fair elections and protects civil liberties, it also has significant flaws in key areas of democracy such as its governance, political culture, and participation. It is acknowledged that casting our votes is our right to suffrage, which indeed upholds the democratic privilege of every voter-aged constituent. This is exhibited in the Philippines, not solely out of reverence, but perhaps out of the folds of fortune one can clinch during elections or the favors you can wish upon the genie in the chair; as long as he is in position, your wish is his command. Who would not desire to be in such a situation? Hence, freedom is not absolute; it can be bought, traded, or compromised.
Moreover, those who are on the front line of safeguarding the interests of the people are the vanguards for whom we voted to serve the ideals of this nation. Politicians have the authority to enact laws and represent the people, upholding their duty of oversight to guarantee a level playing field in public administration. The Philippines, as a democratic country, gives leverage to self-will and the promotion of parity, which move in accord with each other to deliver the optimal benefit among individuals of varied roles, strata, and identities.
On the contrary, these features of democracy seemed to be a façade of the conditions underpinning the Philippine political landscape. One is the swift passage of the Maharlika Invested Fund, where goals seem unclear and pose a hazard to the state. According to the UP School of Economics, there are no provisions regarding bankruptcy in the measure, which could mean that the Philippine government will ultimately be responsible for any liabilities or losses.
Congruently, our debt reveals the status quo of our autonomy with its swelling trillion-peso financial obligation. Indeed, power leverage confronts the system as strategic plans are made by politicians and not by non-partisan analysts.
Further, the Philippine politicized and grueling justice system remains throughout the shift of time. The situation of former Sen. De Lima was a manifestation of this recession in the judicial process of the government after she was denied a bail petition for her puzzling lawsuit. The current administration’s promise of reform is moving at a snail's pace— more than a year of service, yet crimes still overwhelm justice and truth. If the Philippines continues to turn a blind eye to this, the future seems to be clear with certain deaths and burgeoning lies.
Lastly, history plays a never-ending role as an allusion to contemporary events. History increases awareness of the social and political systems, beliefs, and movements that have molded our society. Understanding the struggles, accomplishments, and conflicts of the past enables us to engage thoughtfully with present social and political challenges, leading to informed citizenship and active engagement in democratic processes.
Academic institutions should fortify the minds of the new generation to withstand the billows of false information in the mediascape, which stigmatized and obscured the chronicled events. Vital to its component is the role of the university press, as they stand as a quick line in addressing key issues by clarifying claims and challenging postulates. Journalists, as bearers of truth, should not be seen by the administration, whether in an academic environment or an overall societal context, as barriers to progress because it is for them that we have been enjoying the benefits of being heard and informed and, as to the academe, a substantial channel to respond to the problems of its student body.
In these present times, history is being concocted in such a way that it is wrapped with flavors to manipulate the tastes of the people. Just as how social media gives a very platform to express, which becomes an avenue to peddle misinformation, how historical revisionism is used as a tactic to win an election, or just by changing and declaring holidays in accordance with holiday economics. It is quite baffling, but the truth is with history, and history is with truth.
Today, the manifold experiences encapsulating the Philippines will be the history of tomorrow. In this critical juncture, as we exercise our power of liberty, we must choose to side with the truth because the truth unlocks the transformational power that expands freedom, guides us through the uncharted future, and preserves our history.
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