Categorizing it as a “flawed democracy,” the Democracy Index 2020 of the  Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) placed the Philippines at No. 55 of 167 countries.

Globally, the Democracy Index 2020, released on February 3, of the London-based think tank was topped by Norway with 9.81, followed by Iceland with 9.37, Sweden 9.26, New Zealand 9.25, Canada 9.24, Finland 9.20 and Denmark 9.15.

The Democracy Index, on a 0 to 10 scale, is based on five categories: electoral process and pluralism, functioning of government, political participation, political culture and civil liberties.

 According to the EIU, the countries under the “flawed democracy” category, “have free and fair elections, even if there are problems (such as infringements on media freedom), basic civil liberties are respected.”

Duterte admin committed to respecting citizens’ voices

The administration of President Rodrigo Duterte is committed to continue respecting the voices of all citizens, said a Palace official in reaction to the ranking of the Philippines in the Democracy Index 2020.

Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo pointed out that “endless criticisms from political opposition” as well as “government’s detractors” are proof that the administration respects democracy.  Read More