Theories of Philippine Politics Part Two

State-centric accounts of the Philippine politics tend to explain why it is institutionally weak. The weakness of the state is attributed to its lack of “relative autonomy” from the dominant sectors of society. Most accounts of Philippine power dynamics tend to focus on “political giants” constantly engaged in “great battles” such as election campaigns, government activity or rebellion. Little or no attention is given to the nameless and oftentimes faceless collective mass of people that comprise Philippine society. The concept of "moral politics," which refers to the creation of groups that are perceived as either "good" or "evil.” On the other hand, populists usually make class appeals and claim to champion the poor.