MANILA, Philippines — Political leaders, democracy advocates, and policymakers from across Asia convened in Metro Manila for a four-day summit, issuing a warning about the increasing strain on democratic institutions across the region. The “All About Democracy” forum, hosted by the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD), the Center for Liberalism and Democracy, and the Liberal Party of the Philippines, commenced on Thursday, March 26, and will run until March 29.
More than 40 representatives from Southeast and East Asia are participating in the forum, which aims to address challenges facing democratic systems and foster collaboration among democratic movements.
Opening Night Focuses on Violence Against Women in Politics
The conference began with formal ceremonies and a gala at the Dusit Thani Manila in Makati City. The opening night featured a panel discussion titled “Democratic Resilience at Risk: Violence Against Women in Politics in Asia,” emphasizing the urgent need to address this critical issue.
Panelists warned that various forms of violence against women in politics, including online harassment, disinformation campaigns, and legal intimidation, are silencing female leaders and weakening democratic resilience.
“Democracy cannot thrive if women are pushed out of leadership spaces through fear, intimidation, or systemic barriers,” a panelist stated.
Examining the Root Causes and Impact of Violence
The panel explored the social, cultural, economic, and institutional factors driving violence against women in politics. It also addressed the broader impact of such violence on governance and public trust.
Panelists stressed the responsibility of political parties and institutions to create safer, more inclusive environments for women in public service. They warned that without structural reforms, the problem is likely to worsen.
The discussion was chaired by Mara Cepeda and featured key regional figures, including Leila de Lima, Taiwan youth leader Michelle Wu of the Democratic Progressive Party, and Thai parliamentary candidate V Srivarathanabul. Jaslyn Go of the CALD Women’s Caucus delivered the closing remarks.
Key Speakers Underscore the Importance of Democratic Cooperation
Liberal Party President Lorenzo “Erin” Tañada III and Friedrich Naumann Foundation Regional Director Moritz Kleine-Brockhoff delivered opening remarks, highlighting the urgency of strengthening democratic cooperation in Asia amid mounting political pressures.
Summit Activities and Objectives
The conference agenda includes policy discussions, leadership meetings, regional elections within CALD, and strategic planning sessions. These activities are aimed at strengthening democratic institutions across Asia.
Delegates from various countries, including the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam, are participating in the multi-day forum. They will tackle issues ranging from political polarization and disinformation to institutional resilience and governance reform.
In addition to the panel discussion, the summit features regional policy roundtables on democratic resilience, workshops on political cooperation, and planning sessions designed to reinforce collaboration among democratic movements in the region. Organizers emphasized the importance of these efforts in light of internal and external pressures facing democratic institutions in several countries.
Historical Site Visits Planned
Participants are scheduled to visit historical sites tied to the Philippines’ democratic struggle, including the Museo ng Pag-asa and the Bantayog ng mga Bayani memorial. These visits aim to underscore the country’s legacy of people-powered resistance and its continuing relevance in contemporary democratic discourse.
Local Officials Participate in the Summit
The summit has attracted national leaders, international delegates, and local officials, highlighting the role of grassroots governance in sustaining democratic systems.
Former Dumaguete City mayor Felipe “Ipe” Remollo, along with Dumaguete City councilors Rey Lyndon Lawas and Renz Macion, attended the opening ceremonies and gala dinner, joining fellow delegates.
Other notable attendees included former Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad, incumbent Caloocan Congressman Edgar Erice, and former congressman Francis Gerald “Blue” Abaya, former Ifugao congressman Teddy Baguilat and former Quezon City congressman Christopher Keith Belmonte.
More Key Figures Expected
Organizers said that Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta are expected to participate later in the week, reflecting the regional and international significance of the gathering. President Ramos-Horta is expected to deliver a video message to the delegates.
Focus on Local and National Level Democracy
The participation of national leaders and local officials reflects a central message of the conference: that democracy is ultimately sustained at the local and national levels, where public trust, accountability, and citizen engagement are most directly felt.
Organizers emphasized that while regional alliances are critical, the strength of democracy depends on leaders within communities who uphold institutions, protect fundamental rights, and ensure accountability in governance.
CALD's Ongoing Mission
CALD officials reiterated the organization’s continuing mission to train emerging leaders, expand women’s participation in politics, and empower youth engagement across the region. They emphasized that long-term democratic stability depends on inclusive leadership and active civic participation.
The organization aims to address emerging political challenges through sustained dialogue, capacity-building initiatives, and regional cooperation. These challenges include rising polarization, disinformation, and weakening institutional trust—issues that many participants said are increasingly interconnected across borders.
Call for Collective Action
Speakers at the opening emphasized that while democratic systems in Asia face growing pressure, collective action among democratic leaders remains a powerful force capable of reinforcing institutions and protecting democratic norms.
As the summit unfolds, delegates are emphasizing the importance of safeguarding democracy through strong institutions and the full and active participation of women, young leaders, and communities across Asia.
Amaya Abong served as Master of Ceremonies for the opening ceremonies and gala program.
Photo credit: Photo from Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD)