Shang Properties president and dean of Far Eastern University Institute of Law Atty. Andy Bautista recently addressed counterparts from over 10 other nations and institutions participating in the 6th International Law Conference held in Königswinter, Germany.
Organized by Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, the conference aimed to underscore the importance of the rule of law to democratic development. The event culled representatives from different academic institutions and parallel international organizations from China, Germany, Kenya, Russia, Venezuela, Egypt, Romania, Argentina, South Africa, and the Philippines.
Bautista’s talk on “Law, Democracy and Development: The Philippine Experience” traced the growth and development of the rule of law and democracy in the country, from its indigenous system of government, changes during the Spanish colonial period and the American takeover, to its present state. He also noted that our current legal framework is a result of an Asian value system influenced by Spanish Catholicism and culture and an American government system advocating democratic principles.
In conclusion, he stated that the lesson for international development organizations is to “tailor programs to the unique characteristics and specific needs of a country” and “to resist applying ‘boiler plate’ solutions.” According to Bautista, “An alternative course of action for the Philippines would be to encourage programs that would assist our citizens to come up with informed judgments to help strengthen our institutions and the democratic process.”