Can most Filipinos actively and effectively participate in Philippine governance?

Answer 1

Ideally, filipino's can participate in democracy in which they can vote for political parties to determine who is to be the next President of the Philippines.

In reality, the Philippines is like an Oligarchy - controlled by the wealthy and privlleged families. Look at former President Estrada - a former movie star! It might even be a aristocracy. Look at the political families in the Philippines (Current President Arroyo is the daughter of former president Macapagal). The power of the Catholic Church and the military in the Philippines - the power behind the scenes also is a worry for Philippines democracy.

How effective democracy is in the Philippines can be debated. Because of widespread corruption, direct democracy in the Philippines has taken on 'people power' protests in the streets against the government.
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As a former U.S colony, the Philippines seems to have democracy given to it - or transplanted in philippines, rather than democracy has evolved or has grown up in pi.

Answer 2

Actually, the Philippines ranks as one of the most democratically active countries in terms of political activity [voting]. That answers your first question--actively. Check the article of Joel Rocamora. It's available on line.
I think that, as for the "effectively" part, Filipinos still lack the so-called modern political behavior characteristic of mature democracies like in the US and UK. For one, political behavior is shaped by political parties--the more tangible aspect of government. They function as public educators, especially during the campaign phase. This act imbues the public with awareness of the candidates/slate, government processes, voting procedures, and even with the notions of democracy and party ideology. Many things can transpire from the collective action of political parties.
It is tragic, however, that this prerequisite of informed voting still is in its formative stage (hopefully it is!). There are no real political parties here in the Philippines; they only emerge during elections, as opposed to having permanent structure and membership (the political bees and butterflies, the turncoats, prove just that). Thus, their function as impetus to hasten the sophistication of public behavior is very well obviated.