How AI Helped Craft a Filipino-Centered Reform Agenda
Introduction: Why Our Democracy Needs Stronger Institutions
The Philippines’ presidential system, inspired by the U.S. model, was designed to prevent tyranny through separation of powers and checks and balances. Yet, decades of political dynasties, weak party systems, and executive dominance have eroded these safeguards.
As a student of governance, I sought ways to fortify our institutions—not by copying foreign systems, but by adapting global best practices to our unique context. Surprisingly, artificial intelligence (AI) became an unexpected ally in this process. By analyzing comparative political systems, identifying structural weaknesses, and simulating policy impacts, AI helped refine these proposals.
But let me be clear: AI didn’t replace Filipino wisdom—it enhanced it. These ideas remain rooted in our constitutional principles, historical struggles, and the urgent need for reform.
1. Fixing the Flaws in Our Presidential System
A. Constitutional Tweaks for Better Accountability
Our system has gaps that allow abuses of power. Here’s how we can close them:
Reform the Commission on Appointments (CA)
- Problem: The current 12-Senator, 12-Representative setup encourages political horse-trading.
- Solution: Shift to a Senate-only confirmation body (like the U.S.) or impose strict transparency rules on CA hearings.
Regionalize the Senate
- Problem: Our 24 at-large senators focus on national issues, neglecting local concerns.
- Solution: Add 12 regional senators (for a total of 36) to ensure local voices shape national policy.
Adjust Presidential Term Limits
- Problem: A single 6-year term creates a "lame-duck" presidency with weak mid-term accountability.
- Solution: Allow a 5-year term extendable to 7 years via performance referendum—rewarding good leaders, removing bad ones early.
B. Legislative Reforms: Empowering Congress
Congress should be a co-equal branch, not a rubber stamp.
- Opposition Rights Law
Guarantee minority blocs:
✅ Leadership in key committees (e.g., Public Accounts, Human Rights).
✅ Independent budget for investigations.
✅ Mandatory executive branch responses to inquiries.
- Philippine Congressional Budget Office (PCBO)
- Modeled after the U.S. CBO, this independent body would audit budgets and track spending—free from Malacañang’s influence.
2. Cleaning Up the Judiciary & Fighting Corruption
A. Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) Upgrades
- Include civil society representatives in JBC appointments.
- Publish shortlists for Supreme Court vacancies.
- Mandate performance reviews for judges every 3 years.
B. Supercharging the Ombudsman
- Triple its budget and grant prosecutorial autonomy.
- Investigate all government contracts over ₱1 billion.
- Create special anti-corruption courts under Ombudsman oversight.
3. Fixing Our Broken Party System
Political Party Development Act
- State funding for parties that meet transparency/internal democracy standards.
- Ban party-switching (balimbing) during elected terms.
- Cap political dynasties—no more than two family members per party ticket.
Electoral Reform: Mixed-Member Proportional Representation
- 50% district seats + 50% party-list seats (based on national vote share).
- Forces issue-based campaigns over personality politics.
4. Citizen Power: The Ultimate Check
National Participatory Audit Network
Train citizens to co-audit projects with COA—scaling the successful "Citizen Participatory Audit" nationwide.
Real Freedom of Information (FOI)
- Pass an FOI Law with penalties for non-compliance.
- Independent FOI Ombudsman to enforce transparency.
- Live disclosure of all government contracts.
5. Preventing Executive Overreach
Anti-Political Dynasty Law
- Enforce Article II, Section 26 of the Constitution—banning dynasties explicitly.
Strict Limits on Emergency Powers
- Require Supreme Court + Congress approval for martial law extensions beyond 30 days.
- Ban emergency powers for non-security matters (e.g., infrastructure deals).
Conclusion: A Filipino Democracy That Works
These reforms aren’t about copying the U.S. or any foreign model—they’re about learning from global best practices while staying true to our constitutional spirit. AI helped refine these ideas, but the vision is 100% Filipino: a democracy where institutions, not personalities, hold power accountable.
The road ahead is tough, but reform is possible. Let’s build a system where checks and balances work—not just on paper, but in practice.
Acknowledgments
This article was crafted with the assistance of AI for comparative research and policy analysis. However, the core principles, cultural insights, and reform priorities remain deeply rooted in Philippine governance expertise and democratic values.
🇵🇭 What reforms do you think are most urgent? Share your thoughts below!
