The Senate opened its probe on extrajudicial killings yesterday as the nation joined the world in observing the International Day of Democracy. The special day on Sept. 15 was declared by the United Nations to promote democracy as a critical component in achieving the global agenda for sustainable development until 2030.
Last year, all 193 UN member states adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, whose principal goals are the eradication of extreme poverty, fighting inequality and injustice, and protecting the planet from environmental degradation.
Among the development goals is the promotion of peaceful and inclusive democratic societies where justice is universally accessible, and where there are effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. The UN sees democracy as crucial for sustainable development, recognizing a correlation between peaceful and prosperous societies and a democratic environment where the rule of law prevails and civil liberties are respected by an accountable government.
President Duterte has openly shown his dislike for UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who has expressed concern about the bloody war on drugs in the Philippines. But the country remains a member of good standing in the UN, which backed the arbitral tribunal that recently ruled in favor of the Philippines, defining its maritime entitlements and invalidating China’s expansive nine-dash-line claim over nearly the entire South China Sea.
The Philippines has taken pride in its democratic tradition. Democracy, however, needs nurturing and strengthening, and works best when its institutions are solid. In this area there is much work to be done in the Philippines. Sustainable development is achieved best in a democratic setting, with an active civil society and a free press that is not threatened with various forms of harassment and murder. The nation must see to it that its democratic institutions are working.