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Assignment #5

Dr. Leland R. dela Cruz's talk reframes the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution, questioning its effectiveness in restoring true democracy in the Philippines, given the persistence of corrupt and extractive politics. He emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of voters' motivations and perspectives, advocating for inclusive political education to foster genuine change. The discussion highlights the importance of engaging with the public and recognizing the limitations of the revolution in addressing systemic issues.

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22 views1 page

Assignment #5

Dr. Leland R. dela Cruz's talk reframes the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution, questioning its effectiveness in restoring true democracy in the Philippines, given the persistence of corrupt and extractive politics. He emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of voters' motivations and perspectives, advocating for inclusive political education to foster genuine change. The discussion highlights the importance of engaging with the public and recognizing the limitations of the revolution in addressing systemic issues.

Uploaded by

exos pherism122
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Event attended: Reframing EDSA: The Enduring Strength of Informal

Institutions and the Emergence of the Politics of Resentment

The most remarkable feat of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution is that
it was able to oust a dictator in a non-violent manner, serving as the catalyst for
multiple democratic movements in both Asia and the rest of the world. Today, people
remember it as the return of democracy, celebrated for the freedom it gave back to
the people after decades of gruesome martial law. Dr. Leland R. dela Cruz’s talk on
reframing EDSA amidst informal institutions and emerging political resentment gave
me a new lens to view EDSA with: people say EDSA brought democracy back, but
did it, really, given the current state of extractive and corrupt Philippine politics? It
gave light to the question, how come the Philippines has been constantly riddled with
incompetent leaders who always seem to get the public’s vote?

I find a point of reflection in what Dr. dela Cruz said about the EDSA
revolution possibly having been over-read, or blown out of proportion in comparison
to what it originally was to the people of its time: a movement simply to oust a
dictator. The preservation of crony capitalism and patronage politics even after the
revolution (i.e. simply changing patrons from Marcos to Aquino, to Duterte and again
Marcos Jr. today) is a key indicator that democracy hadn’t really been overhauled by
the movement. Discretional state intervention is still currently very apparent, in how
government services tend to only become of service to those with the appropriate
money for it, neglecting the poor. People at the periphery continue to suffer the
consequences of the actions of the rich, while those at the center–urbanized and
developed areas–continue to get rich.

Despite this, incompetent leaders still seem to get their vote. Progressive
leaders with genuine plans for development and prosperity still lose to those who are
blatantly in politics for the money and reputation. Dr. dela Cruz urges the audience to
be reflective of our own practice of politics, of getting more people to vote, of
“educating the masses”—perhaps we had been looking down on them inadvertently
by failing to meet them where they are and not including them in conversations.

​ The EDSA Revolution was more about ousting an overdue dictator than
restoring democracy. In fact, Dr. dela Cruz notes that democratic principles and
values (e.g. human rights, rule of law) are not even considerations for those on the
ground. Most poignant to me was what Dr. said: “It’s not them who need voter’s
education; we need to be educated about the voters.” It is in understanding informal
practices of politics—their motivations, perspectives, circumstances—that we can
truly elicit change in society. In rousing political consciousness to favor progressive
change, it is important to meet people where they are. Rather than alienate and
offend because their politics are different, we listen, learn, and translate democracy
in ways they understand. Learning together and learning from each other. EDSA has
shown the power of communing with the people, and in remembering EDSA, we
should remember those on the ground as well.

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