About the Event
Amidst the backdrop of an ongoing pandemic, the Philippines will hold its national elections in May. As the oldest democracy in Southeast Asia, Philippine democracy has been tried and tested and while it has shown some resilience, many observers note a decline of democracy in recent years—with the pandemic adding unprecedented strain on democratic and market institutions, testing their adaptability and resilience. The world is closely watching this nation of 110 million people embark on a critical crossroads of electing a set of leaders to navigate the country’s road to economic recovery and democratic renewal. Filipinos generally view elections as the cornerstone of Philippine democracy. Consequently, strengthening democracy requires not only an election, as in the Philippines, for example, but a more strategic, long-term, inclusive approach that leverages citizens’ demand for strong democratic institutions, safeguarding democratic values and norms, and propelling democratic engagement forward.
In a multi-stakeholder forum, CIPE in partnership with the Makati Business Club and Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce present the CIPE Manila Webinar Series featuring the topic “The 2022 Elections: What’s at Stake for Philippine Democracy?” The session brings together distinguished thought leaders, democracy champions, good governance defenders and sectoral advocates, to share their views and perspectives on the state of Philippine democracy and what’s at stake for the upcoming elections.