vii Foreword Foreword On 22 February 1986, the People Power Revolution swept aside an authoritarian regime that had gripped the Philippines for 14 years. Soon afterwards, a convention was called to draft a new constitution; one that was grounded in the principles of human rights, and one that would restore democratic institutions that were representative of, and responsive to, the interests of the Filipino people. Since then, the conduct of successive elections, the decentralisation of scal and administrative authority, and the resurgence of civil society suggested that the Philippines had made strides to broaden and deepen its democracy. However, beyond the surface lies deep rooted problems that still persist. Political dynasties still dominate elections, in public ofce corruption and collusion is rampant, and the huge levels of disparity and unabated poverty continue to undermine the nation's claim to democracy. “Chasing the Wind” is a critical assessment of Philippine politics over the past 30 years. It is an honest, frank, and arresting collection of viewpoints from esteemed Filipino writers who have striven to deepen the process of democratisation through their respective careers in academic research and writing. Building on the rst edition, the authors point to aws, gaps, and issues in Philippine politics that need to be addressed to deepen democracy in the Philippines. This study reafrms that human rights are at the core of democracy, and from this perspective, political participation and the proper exercise of political accountability are fundamental rights of each and every citizen, which cannot and should not be sacriced. Titon Mitra Country Director