Pinagpala Publishing Services - A Literature Review of Democratic Governance in the Philippines: Analyzing

World Education Connect Multidisciplinary e-Publication, Vol. V, Issue XI (November 2025), pp.350-356

A Literature Review of Democratic Governance in the Philippines: Analyzing Justice, Civil Liberties, and Institutional Challenges

Altamer Alfad Hussin1, Rexier Taurac Baculo2, Noralyza Sakib Jaam3

1 College of Criminal Justice Education, Department of Criminology,

Mindanao State University-Sulu, Patikul, Sulu 7401, Philippines

2 Department of Criminal Justice Education, Mindanao State University - Maigo College of Education, Science and Technology (MSU - MCEST), Maigo, Lanao del Norte, 9206, Philippines

3College of Criminal Justice Education, Department of Criminology, Mindanao State University-Sulu, Patikul, Sulu 7401, Philippines

Corresponding author: altamer.hussin@msusulu.edu.ph

Abstract

This paper critically examines the trajectory of democratic governance in the Philippines, focusing on the intersection of justice, civil liberties, and institutional challenges. The primary goals of the study are (1) to identify and analyze the key factors contributing to democratic backsliding in the Philippines, and (2) to assess the effectiveness of existing institutional safeguards in preserving democratic norms. Through a comprehensive literature review and qualitative content analysis, the study explores persistent issues such as the enduring presence of political dynasties, compromised electoral integrity, escalating human rights violations, and the increasing use of digital platforms for authoritarian purposes. The analysis further investigates how government actors leverage cyberspace to suppress dissent and manipulate public opinion, exacerbating political polarization and undermining press freedom. Comparative perspectives with other Southeast Asian countries, such as Thailand and Indonesia, reveal that these patterns are part of a broader regional trend of democratic decay. Despite constitutional guarantees of civil liberties and the rule of law, weak enforcement and institutional fragility have allowed authoritarian tendencies to gain ground. The findings underscore the need for robust reforms such as strengthening judicial independence, upholding electoral integrity, and supporting civil society to reverse current trends and safeguard democracy. This research contributes to the understanding of democratic erosion and highlights urgent challenges and potential avenues for democratic renewal in the Philippines and similar contexts.

Keywords: democratic backsliding, civil liberties, electoral integrity, digital authoritarianism, Philippines

https://doi.org/10.65494/pinagpalapublishing.10

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WORLD EDUCATION CONNECT MULTIDISCIPLINARY E-PUBLICATION

ISSN (Online) 2799-0842

ISSN (Print) 2799-130X

Vol. V Issue XI (November 2025)

International Circulation

This is an open-access, peer-reviewed, and refereed international publication in online & printed versions that features research papers, abstracts, theses, dissertations, and journals. It is registered to the ISSN National Center of the Philippines, and ISSN International Center, the Global Index for Continuing Resources with ISSN (Online) 2799-0842 and ISSN (Print) 2799-130X.

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