A Democracy Tainted by Violence

The Philippines, the world's sixth-largest democracy, is facing a crisis as its Vice-President, Sara Duterte, is under investigation for threatening to kill the President, Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. This incident has exposed the deep-rooted culture of violence in Philippine politics, raising concerns about the future of democracy in the country.

Duterte's admission of ordering an assassination has put her at risk of being charged under the controversial anti-terror legislation passed by her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte. This law has been criticized by human rights groups for its potential to label government critics as "terrorists" and justify their extrajudicial killings.

The current tension between Duterte and Marcos is the culmination of months of conflict between the two former allies. This feud has brought to light the embedded culture of violence in Philippine politics, which has its roots in the country's colonial past, particularly under American rule.

The history of the Philippines is marred by violence, from the brutal dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. to the bloody Maguindanao massacre and the extrajudicial killings during Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs. This violence continues to plague the country, with environmental activists and journalists being targeted and killed.

The recent threats by Duterte and the ongoing investigations into her and her father's actions raise serious concerns about the future of democracy in the Philippines. The country faces a critical juncture, where it must choose between embracing a culture of violence and impunity or working towards a more peaceful and just future.

Despite the challenges, there are glimmers of hope. Ordinary Filipinos are working hard to build peace movements and provide support during times of crisis. These efforts offer a ray of hope for a better future, where violence is not the norm and democracy can truly flourish.