12 - Foreign Relations + Civil Society

President as the Chief Diplomat

This includes Presidential promises and plans of action and the role of foreign relations in domestic politics such as VFA bases and the case of Mary Jane Veloso.

Independent foreign policy

A general concern on foreign policy questioning the “independence” of the Philippines

Upholding bilateral and multilateral relations

This general concern on foreign policy includes issues of OFWs and trade, as well as other social, economic, and political aspects.

Membership in regional/international bodies

The Philippines being part of ASEAN, United Nations (founding member), special bodies like Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)

Commitment to International Agreements

Commitment to human rights, especially in the UN, West Philippine Sea issue, and International Criminal Court (ICC)

political rights

Indicator focusing on the electoral process; political pluralism and participation; functioning of government

civil liberties

Indicator focusing on freedom of expression and belief; associational and organizational rights (including freedom of assembly); rule of law; personal autonomy and individual rights

elite democracy

It is the compliance with minimal standards of democracy; events spring from the actions of the elite

democracy from below

It opposes the “top-down” view of democracy; highlights the role of non-elites (e.g., civil society groups) and accommodates the elements of agency and contestation

vibrant civil society

It is a key component of Philippine democracy

fragmentation, co-optation, counter-mobilization and repression, polarization

Reasons for the weakening civil society in the Philippines