Philippines president tells ASEAN leaders at Bali forum to cool it with the totalitarian rule

Earlier today at the Bali Democracy Forum in Nusa Dua, Philippines President Benigno Aquino III let the leaders of ASEAN know what’s up with the need to prioritize democracy in their respective countries. 

Aquino adeptly weighed the pros and cons of totalitarian rule, but urged that it’s ultimately detrimental. Sure, things get done quicker and immediate gains can be made, but that would be disconnecting from the wishes of the people and instability would be inevitable, according to analysis of his speech posted by Rappler. 

Aquino is a co-chair of the the Bali Democracy forum with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and is also in Bali to share Philippines’ best practices and his country’s experience in achieving democracy. He will reportedly fly back to the Philippines later tonight. 

Predictably, Aquino cozied up to SBY during the forum, even referring to him as a “big brother and able partner to many of us.” Indonesia’s been supportive with the Philippine government’s endeavors to secure its maritime borders, combat terrorism and raise awareness for climate change. He even commended Indonesia for helping strike peace between his government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, reported Rappler.

The heart of this “democracy” forum is a bit questionable though, with police’s decision to ban protests and demonstrations of any kind this year.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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