More Political Than We Admit
Theories and the Problematic of Philippine Politics

Edited by Julio C. Teehankee

More Political Than We Admit is a compelling anthology that challenges the public’s perception of Philippine politics. Anchored in the Filipino terms pulitika, pamumulitika, and pinulitika, this collection of essays underscores the inescapable reality of how politics is deeply interwoven into the everyday lives of the Filipinos.

The book’s title alludes to its central argument, which is that Filipinos are “more political than we admit,” playing dual roles—as both objects and subjects—in political processes. This anthology aims to provide novel insights into the paradoxes and intricacies that characterize Philippine politics.

Curated by prominent scholars and emerging voices in political science, this collection features both classic and contemporary essays that delve into critical areas of political life in the country. They explore the idea of Filipino politics through multiple lenses, providing an analytical and empirical roadmap to understanding the origins and intricacies of the Philippine political system. From examining the frameworks of power dynamics to proposing alternative futures for the Filipino people, the book is a thought-provoking exploration of what shapes political engagement in the Philippines.

Divided into four comprehensive chapters, the anthology begins by dissecting the foundations of Filipino politics, presenting the everyday experiences and cultural expressions of ordinary Filipinos as a potent lens for political analysis. The book then moves from these foundational critiques to a theoretical exploration, featuring diverse perspectives that argue for new frameworks to interpret Philippine political realities. The book culminates in essays that navigate the themes of democracy and political power in the Philippines, bringing to light the contradictions and challenges of democratization in a country marked by deep socioeconomic divides.

Through essays on the influence of elite families, political dynasties, and the rise of technocrats, More Political Than We Admit offers a nuanced view of the enduring and evolving nature of power in the Philippines. Together, these essays invite readers to reconsider the meaning of democracy and political participation in the context of a nation grappling with its colonial past and present struggles for just governance.

More Political Than We Admit, edited by Prof. Julio C. Teehankee, offers an analytical and empirical road map to help us understand the origins of our political system and its many contradictions. Divided into four chapters, this anthology of seventeen essays also provides information and insights on what is happening in Philippine politics today.