The concept of social contract refers to the implicit agreement between citizens and the government wherein citizens give up some individual freedoms in exchange for the protection and benefits provided by the government. The concept was first introduced by Enlightenment thinkers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. It is reflected in the EDSA Revolution, a historic event in the Philippines that took place in February 1986.
The social contract is evident in the EDSA Revolution in three ways: 1) The people`s demand for accountability and transparency from the government; 2) The peaceful demonstration and collective action of the citizens; and 3) The establishment of a new government through democratic means.
During the Marcos regime, there was an erosion of trust between the government and the people due to widespread corruption, human rights abuses, and the declaration of martial law. The people demanded accountability and transparency from the government, which was traditionally perceived as a paternalistic institution. The social contract requires the government to be responsive to the needs of the people, and in the Philippines, this means allowing them to participate in governance.
The peaceful demonstration and collective action of the citizens during the EDSA Revolution were also reflective of the social contract. The social contract implies that citizens have the right to peacefully protest and assert their rights. In the Philippines, the peaceful gathering of millions at EDSA demonstrated the people`s collective strength and their demand for change.
Finally, the establishment of a new government through democratic means was the culmination of the social contract. When the people demanded change and accountability, they were exercising their right to participate in governance. The establishment of a new government through a peaceful and democratic means shows that the social contract still holds, and the people`s voices are heard.
In conclusion, the concept of social contract is evident in the EDSA Revolution. The people`s demand for accountability and transparency, the peaceful demonstration and collective action of the citizens, and the establishment of a new government through democratic means all reflect the social contract between the government and the people. The EDSA Revolution is a testament to the power of collective action, the importance of citizen participation in governance, and the enduring nature of the social contract.
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