Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
CONDITION OF THE PHILIPPINES
The Philippines came close to a financial meltdown in 2001 during the impeachment of Former President Estrada. The revenues were too low, with its $54.8 billion in foreign debt too high which followed a lower nation credit rating. In addition to this foreign investors were reluctant to invest in the Philippines at that time due to the political crisis the country was experiencing.
The impeachment case against failed to push through, the people marched to the streets and EDSA 2 was born. When Former President Estrada was finally removed from Malacanang, there was another rally attempt by Estrada’s supporters. This attempt was supposedly “EDSA 3” but it failed due to the lack of supporters.
Former President Joseph Estrada left President Arroyo with a country which needed to recover due to the political crisis and the economic crisis. Estrada has left Arroyo with a lot of problems. When Estrada was forced out of office, there were numerous rallies by Estrada’s supporters; some resulted into a bloody confrontation between Erap Supporters and the police. It was a challenge to Arroyo to gain the trust of not only her people but of the trust of the investors as well. She needed to encourage more investments to improve the economy and to improve the lives of the Filipino’s. It was Arroyo’s challenge to bring the Filipino’s back to its feet.
PRIMARY PROBLEMS
• There have been more than 840 killings in the Philippines since President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo came to power.
• One of the major problems of the Philippines are the arbitrary, unlawful and extrajudicial killings which includes the death of journalists.
• More than half of the journalists who were killed after Marcos’ time were killed during the Arroyo administration. Only in three cases of killings were the killers been convicted but no mastermind was brought to court.
• The Philippines is now considered as the second most dangerous country to practice journalism next to Iraq.
• Even though there are intense efforts of the government to investigate and prosecute the cases of killings, many cases were still unresolved and a lot of them are still not punished.
• Corruption scandals during the Arroyo Administration in the last seven years have cost the Filipinos around 7.3 billion pesos.
• With at least six corruption cases so far, President Arroyo has now been considered the most corrupt president in the Philippines.
• Corruption has greatly benefited the Arroyo Administration while it continues to worsen the condition of the Philippines specifically contribute more to poverty.
• Corruption is a problem in all the institutions of the Philippines including the criminal justice system specifically the police, prosecutorial and judicial organs.
• Education, health, and public infrastructure were not given much priority even though there were large increases in the national budget.
• The president relied on reenacted budget; none of the proposed regular budgets were approved on time. In three of the nine years as president, she ran the government without an approved budget.
• Poverty is most rampant in the rural areas of the Philippines. Even though there is a share of poverty in the National Capital Region, the rate of poverty in rural areas than urban areas is still a lot higher. The rural poor are the unemployed or self-employed in agriculture or only casual labor who are landless.
• Poverty has worsened because of high inflation and unemployment. The Philippines has not yet surpassed poverty unlike neighboring countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia who are rapidly reducing poverty at present.
• President Arroyo promised to create 10 million jobs from 2004-2010 but didn’t reach this target. A lot of decent jobs in the manufacturing sector disappeared and more less secure jobs emerged.
• Since unemployment, poverty and hunger go together, this just shows the failure of the Philippine social-protection program who doesn’t
provide enough protection for the less fortunate and unemployed. All these three have worsened under the Arroyo Administration.
PROMISES DURING THE ELECTIONS AND INAUGURATION
The “10-point agenda” outlined by Macapagal-Arroyo during her inaugural address last June 30, 2001:
1. “I shall have created more than six million jobs, perhaps, even 10 million jobs… I shall have supported three million entrepreneurs by giving them loans and helping them become good managers… I shall have developed one million hectares, if possible two million of agribusiness land by making them productive and transporting their products to the markets efficiently.
2. “Everyone of school age will be in school in an uncrowded classroom, in surroundings conducive to learning. Hangad kong makapasok sa eskuwela ang bawat bata. Mayroong sapat na lugar sa silid-aralan at may computer sa bawat aralan. (I wish for all children to be able to go to school. With enough classroom and computers at every school).
3. “I shall have balanced the budget by collecting the right revenues and spending on the right things.
4. “The network of transport and digital infrastructure on which my government embarked in the last three years will have linked the entire country.
5. “Power and water will be regularly provided to all barangays (villages).
6. “Metro Manila will be decongested with economic activity growing and spreading to new centers of government, business and community in Luzon, in the Visayas and in Mindanao.
7. “The Subic-Clark corridor will be the most competitive international service and logistic center in the Southeast Asian Region.
8. “Elections will no longer raise a single doubt about their integrity. The electoral process will be completely computerized.
9. “Peace will have come to Mindanao. All insurgence shall have turned their swords into plowshares. They will have become so absorbed into one society that the struggles of the past will be just a stuff of legend.
10. “The divisive issues generated by EDSA I, II and III will also be just memories shared by friends from every side in those upheavals… Only the lessons of unity, courage and a just closure left alive in their hearts.”
(Gloria M. Arroyo, 2001)
LAWS AND PROGRAMS
- Restoring Political Stability and Building New Politics
President Arroyo wanted to resolve the political crisis through restoring the confidence of the people in the government through:
• Making a Selection Committee to recruit a Cabinet team who is committed to the values of the administration
• Establishing partnerships with the civil society by involving people in governance.
• Opening up peace initiatives to address threats specifically regarding the Muslim rebels to make them obey the law and list them as soldiers in the war against poverty.
• Restoring the rule of law in order to fight crimes such as smuggling, kidnapping, and corruption.
- Building High Standards of Morality and Performance
• These are the foundations of good governance.
• Implementing anti-corruption programs starting with the Administrative Order No.1 which forbids the relatives and top officials of the president to form contracts with the government.
• Making a new Anti-Graft Commission which will promote integrity among the officials and presidential appointees.
- Promote Economic Revival through Social Equity
• Implementing a monetary policy in order to keep the inflation rate low while providing liquidity for growth.
• Create new micro-financing guidelines so that loans may be more available to the poor.
• Banking reforms to promote transparency, enhanced competition, financial soundness and modernization with the help of expanded foreign participation in domestic banks.
• By joining hands with business to strengthen information and communications technology (ICT) while encouraging rural industries.
• Through keeping the budget deficit below P145 billion or 3.8% of GNP through different revenue programs in order to make funds available for businesses.
• Monitoring local government remittances, strengthening audit and tax reform programs by computerization to improve tax collections.
- The Anti-Poverty Strategy
The anti-poverty strategy is based on these five programs namely asset distribution, human development services, protection from violence, more livelihood opportunities for the poor and greater participation in governance and social life.
a. Asset Distribution
• “Land for the landless”
• Provide facilities for the poor by the improvement of the slums
• Provide financial assistance for the housing of OFW’s, the employees with low salaries, and the AFP/PNP personnel
• Address housing problems through restructured home loans
• Spend 20 billion pesos to finance agricultural modernization to improve the productivity and salaries/incomes of farmers and fishermen.
b. Human Development Services
• Improve health care and education services for the poor.
c. Protection from Violence
• Promote anti poverty programs to vulnerable groups including the children, women, elderly, disabled and refugees from conflicts by handing them the resources they need to improve their lives.
• Conduct entrepreneurial and livelihood seminars/talks/trainings for the rural workers, working women and union members.
d. More Livelihood Opportunities
• Finance agricultural projects
• Provide employment assistance
• Provide 17,000 jobs through the 38.7 billion pesos worth of new investments.
• Finance and facilitate loans totaling 127 million pesos to improve the productivity of enterprises.
DOMESTIC POLICIES
• In the president’s SONA, she said that the system of government needs fundamental change and the debate on Charter Change should start immediately. She initiated a movement to overthrow the present form of government and make it into a federal parliamentary-unicameral form of government. It still remains as a proposed policy because it is obviously not yet implemented
• In the last 2006, her House of Representatives planned to revise the constitution through the constituent assembly.
• Executive Order No. 464 and Calibrated Preemptive Response
• Arroyo issued Executive Order No. 464 which states that demonstrations or otherwise known as rallies should have permits or they would be preemptively stopped.
• Killings were rampant during the Arroyo administration that is why independent commissions were assembled to investigate them.
• Arroyo promised to bring peace through the anti-terrorism legislation
- Amnesty Proclamation 1377
• President Arroyo signed the Amnesty Proclamation 1377 which is for the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army.
• The amnesty would cover up the crime of rebellion and all other crimes fighting for political beliefs but will not include the crimes against chastity, rape, torture, kidnapping for ransom, use and trafficking of illegal drugs and other crimes leading to personal ends which violate international law provided that they surrender/return their trust in the society.
• President Arroyo granted Former President Estrada pardon based on the recommendation of the Department f Justice
• Estrada was freed from his Tanay rest house on October 6.
- Conversion Order (The Sumilao Farmers’ March)
• President Arroyo rescinded the conversion order on the 144 hectare lot in Sumilao, Bukidnon so that land owenership may be returned to 55 members of the Higainon tribe farmers
• The order signed by Eduardo Ermita, the Executive Secretary indicates that: “Wherefore premises considered and as recommended by DAR, the petition for cancellation and/or revocation of the conversion order covering 144 hectares of land…is hereby granted.”
BENEFICIARIES OF THE LAWS AND PROGRAMS
President Arroyo promised to continue working on poverty alleviation until she is president and expressed hope for her pro-poor programs and reforms which would be continued and maintained until the next administration.
Among all of her projects and programs including housing, health, educational, agricultural, development services and a lot more, she has only a fraction of Filipinos, an estimated 5,000 beneficiaries who benefited from them and showed support for them.
On the other hand, some say that since 2001-2006, the Arroyo Administration has not made improvements and development of the Philippines especially in the rural sector. Those who only benefited from her programs were the foreign big businesses and the pro-Arroyos including the big compradors, landlords, and toped officials of the Armed Forces and National Police.
HOLES AND SHORTCOMINGS OF THE LAWS
• 3h Anti-poverty groups believe that President Arroyo’s policies regarding poverty are not effective. In order to help and improve the lives of the less fortunate, they proposed policies such as supporting the completion of the CARP by increasing public investments in health, education, water and sanitation, and human development services.
• Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) problems during the Aquino Administration which are still present today:
• Extension of the land appraisal process
• Very few and extremely vague guidelines for landowner compensation
• Extended landowner-tenant negotiations
• Lack of technical organization
• Inconsistent execution/implementation of program
• The Amnesty Proclamation 1377 cannot convince the hardcore communists to surrender because the root cause of their rebellions which is to address their problems is still not answered and addressed by the government. This program would only lead to graft and corruption because of the money being given out to the returnees.
• The government’s implementation of the rice productivity program is very expensive, ineffective and inefficient. The Hybrid Rice Commercialization Program (HRCP) is the new technology by the government. However the results of this program were not very good. The rate of adoption of the hybrid rice was very low and there is a high dropout rate of the farmers because the seeds of the hybrid rice are very expensive and hard to get.
• The liberalization, deregulation and privatization policies of the Arroyo administration made the Philippine economy more vulnerable to the rampant monopolies (global and local). The administration is the one to blame for the wrong national policies that have exposed the country and its people to the cruel impact of the recent global crisis.
• The Oil Deregulation Law which allows the local oil firm to increase their prices on top of the monopoly imposed oil prices in the international market. Because of this the number of poor Filipinos would increasingly grow up if the oil prices trends are there.
ISSUES AND CONTROVERSIES
- Hello “Garci” Controversy (June 2005 – Present)
The Hello “Garci” Controversy is about wiretapped recordings of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s conversations with COMELEC Commissioner Virgilio Garcilliano. The conversations was about rigging or cheating the 2004 national elections. Former NBI Deputy Director Samuel Ong released the wiretapped tapes; he also claimed that he had the “mother of all tapes” which was released a few days later. The National Telecommunications Commission initially banned the playing of the tapes in the media, and threatened that any media group who plays the tapes will be forced to close. The tape was then allowed by the Supreme Court to be aired by the media with a vote of 9 – 6, this was against the NTC’s decision.
In the tape a woman who sounds like Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was talking to Virgilio “Garci” Garcilliano about by how many votes she would win in her run for the presidency. In the conversation she asked if she would win by a million votes and Garci replied that she will; coincidentally or suspiciously she did win by over a million votes in the 2004 presidential elections.
GMA admitted that she was the woman in the wiretapped conversations but said that she only talked to Garci after the counting has been done. She also aired on national television her apology to the public for her “lapse in judgement”, this act was supposed to reduce the tensions the issue has created however this backfired and it created more tensions and more calls for her to step down.
Virgilio Garcilliano’s whereabouts were unknown right after the Hello Garci tapes came out. There were even some rumors that he was able to escape the country. 5 Months later he resurfaced and admitted that he was the one talking to GMA in the tapes but the conversation took place after the counting of votes had been done. He also denied that GMA instructed him to cheat in the 2004 national elections.
The issue created a lot of tension and anger in the public. Thousands went to the street to call for GMA to step down. There was even an attempt to create another People Power, this failed however due to the lack of protestors that attended the peaceful gathering. GMA survived the storm; this issue was the biggest issue that threatened her presidency. Until now the issue has not yet been solved, and no one has been punished.
- Oakwood Mutiny (July 27, 2003)
A group composing of more than 300 fully armed soldiers took over Oakwood Premier in Ayala, Makati City. The soldiers were led by Navy Ltsg. Antonio Trillanes IV, Army Capt. Gerardo Gambala, Army Capt. Milo Maestrecampo, Navy Ltsg. James Layug and Marine Capt. Gary Alejano.
The group called themselves the new “katipuneros” but they were dubbed y the media as the “magdalo” soldiers. They claim that the taking over of the Oakwood Premier in Makati was spontaneous, and that their goal was only to be able to air their grievances and complaints about the corruption in the military and in the government. They also stated that the saw signs that GMA was going to declare martial law.
One of the accusations made by the soldiers was that the Arroyo administration was selling arms and ammunitions to the enemy forces. These enemy forces include the MILF and the Abu Sayyaf. Also they claim that Arroyo issued the order to bomb Davao City so that Arroyo would be able to ask the United States of America for anti-terrorist support. Arroyo also planned to bomb several areas in Metro Manila so that she could declare martial law.
Some of the grievances include general cases like the corruption of the government and its officials, low salaries of soldiers and the difference of salaries between the AFP soldiers and the Air Force Pilots, insufficient supply of medicines in the army and the powerful “comptroller” family who is enjoying promotions and positions and are manipulating funds and that the government funds for the soldiers never or seldom reach them.
The bloodless mutiny ended after 18 hours. The soldiers surrendered as they failed to rally support from the public. All the 300 soldiers were arrested and charged in the general court martial.
On September 24, 2004 the soldiers apologized to Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and took back the accusations against top AFP officials. Currently majority of the soldiers have been released and some soldiers have escaped military custody.
- Proclamation 1017 (February 24, 2006)
“I Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, President of the Republic of the Philippines and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested upon me by Section 18, Article 7 of the Philippine Constitution which states that: ” The President…whenever it becomes necessary,…may call out (the) armed forces to prevent or suppress…rebellion…, ” and in my capacity as their Commander-in-Chief, do hereby command the Armed Forces of the Philippines, to maintain law and order throughout the Philippines, prevent or suppress all forms of lawless violence as well any act of insurrection or rebellion and to enforce obedience to all the laws and to all decrees, orders and regulations promulgated by me personally or upon my direction; and as provided in Section 17, Article 12 of the Constitution do hereby declare a State of National Emergency.”
On February 24, 2006, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo used her emergency powers and issued Proclamation 1017. The proclamation was called a “state of national emergency” and was similar to Martial Law primarily because she will be able to order arrests without warrants. The proclamation came after the Armed Forces of the Philippines received reports that some officials of the armed forces will announce their withdrawal of support from GMA during the anniversary of the People Power Edsa 1 Revolution. To prevent this GMA issued the proclamation to ensure that there will be no rebellion or violent coup attempts.
AFP Chief Generoso Sanga revealed that Danilo Lim, one of the commanders of an elite force in the AFP was the one planning to withdraw his support of GMA. Lim then was relieved of his port and was placed under Sanga’s custody. Police also suspended all gun carrying licenses and did not allow the public to carry weapons.
The next day, police raided offices of the newspaper Daily tribune and also sent armed men in civilian clothing to go around the offices of Abante a tabloid newspaper. The military was also sent to surround the offices of ABS-CBN and GMA Network. The government claimed that they were only protecting these establishments from potential takeovers from destabilizers.
16 people were arrested and charged with rebellion, these people included Bayan Muna Reps. Satur Ocampo, Teddy Casiño and Joel Virador of Bayan Muna, Anakpawis Reps. Beltran and Rafael Mariano, and Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza.
Former President Cory Aquino was allowed to have a rally in Ayala but the rally was dispersed right after Cory Aquino left.
The proclamation lasted for a week, after this President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo lifted the proclamation. Petitions questioning the legality of the proclamation were raised by a number of groups and people. A few months later the Supreme Court declared that the proclamation was indeed legal however the acts done in implementing the proclamation were not.
- NBN-ZTE Controversy (April 2007)
The NBN-ZTE controversy is about a deal between the Philippines and XTE Corporation, a company in china. The deal was worth $329.59 Million and was aimed at improving the communication capabilities of the Philippines. On August 29, 2007, Nueva Vizcaya Rep. Carlos Padilla, disclosed on his privilege speech that COMELEC chairman Benjamin Abalos has been going to China not just for leisure but to broker a deal with the XTE Corporation. He also said that there were two other corporations willing to do the job for the Philippines at lower prices but was turned down. These two other private companies offered cheaper prices than ZTE Corporation.
Abalos denied these accusations but also admitted that he knew some of the officials in ZTE Corporation. A few days later on September 10, 2007, Jose de Venecia III issued an affidavit stating that he was with Abalos in china and heard Ablaos demanding money from the officials of the ZTE Corporation. The Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order preventing the contract from pushing through.
On September 18, 2007, while testifying to in the senate, Jose de Venecia III revealed that the First Gentleman Mike Arroyo told him to “back off” from pursuing the deal. A few days later President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo suspended the deal because of “political criticisms”. She also claimed that the alleged corruption was investigated and that the reports after the investigation were uncorroborated.
During the hearings the Senate ordered Rodolfo “Jun” Lozada, who was the President of Philippine Forest Corporation and was said to have knowledge that the deal was overpriced, to attend the senate hearing. Lozada did not attend the hearing and was able to fly out of the country 2 hours before the start of the hearing. The Senate then ordered the arrest of Jun Lozada. On February 5, 2008, Jun Lozada arrived at the NAIA international airport and was taken away by unidentified men. Lozada claims that the men blindfolded him and was talking about where he was supposed to be killed. This was prevented however since text messages from his family to media revealed that there was going to be something bad that was to happen to Jun Lozada. The next day the PNP admits that Jun Lozada was in their custody.
On February 7, 2008, Jun Lozada appeared in a pre-dawn conference in La Salle Greenhills and narrated his experience on how he was taken away against his will. In the following weeks Jun Lozada testified in the senate, fearing for his life. He said that Abalos threatened to have him killed and that when he left the NBN project the project was priced at $262 million but it ballooned to $329.5 Million when it was approved.
The hearings were conducted; with Lozada as the “whistleblower” and a lot of government officials were implicated and involved in the issue. This included First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, Former Mayor Lito Atienza and Former COMELEC chairman Benjamin Abalos. Until now the controversy never reached a conclusion and truth and justice has yet to be achieved.
- Gloria Arroyo’s Expensive Dinners
The public began noticing the expensive dinners that President Macapagal Arroyo was having when an article from the New York Post reported that GMA and her entourage to the US dined in the famous Le Cirque in New York and spent $20,000 or almost 1 Million Pesos.
The report said that GMA ordered several expensive bottles of wine which pushed the tab to $20,000. Considering the economic downturn in the Philippines and the continuous increase in unemployment and poverty ratings, the expensive dinner resulted into a lot of criticisms against GMA. Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay bashed GMA for her expensive dinner and said that $20,000 can already give 30,000 people 3 square meals in a day. He also noted that if GMA indeed used public funds to pay for the meal then it should be deplorable. If she used her own money to pay for the dinner then it is really insensitive to the millions of Filipino’s who experience hunger everyday in the Philippines.
Bishops also criticized the expensive dinner and said that it was very “imprudent” and the public deserves an explanation and an apology. Then Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said that it was Romualdez that paid for the dinner however this was not believed by the public and called Cerge a “certified liar”. Cerge said that this dinner issue was only a way to anger the people and turn them against GMA, also to help ease the situation he ordered the financial statements regarding the trip to be shown to the public.
After this issue several reports regarding a $15,000 dinner in Washington also came out. The issue then was never resolved and now only exists as a memory.
SUMMARY OF GOVERNANCE
President Arroyo was named the 14th president of the Philippines during the People Power II, January 20, 2001 in Edsa when former President Joseph Estrada was forced out of office because of allegations of plunder and corruption. The president faced a lot of challenges in her early presidency which includes an unstable economy and protests by the supporters of Estrada. Another one of her problems include the ongoing battle between the government and the rebels. Despite the problems and issues regarding her administration, she has also done a lot for the Philippines including lifting the Philippines out of its financial crisis.
In 2004, she won the elections and was elected to a full term presidency until 2010. During her inaugural speech, she vowed to create 10 million jobs in the next six years, balance the budget of the Philippines, improve tax collection through computerization, provide cheap medicine for the poor and unite the country.
Until now, she has been arguably the most unpopular president of the Philippines. This is because of her numerous unanswered issues and controversies like the Hello Garci scandal, expensive dinners during her visit to the United States, and many more.
GRADE (DLSU SYSTEM)
President Arroyo’s failure to improve the economy and her government is considered as one things that pulled her down. According to statistics, the Philippines’ rating on voice and accountability was 54.3% during 2000 and now dropped to 41.3% because of the killings, human rights violations, etc. With regards to political stability, there was also a drop in the rating; the Philippines is only better than one out of the 10 countries among the 212 countries surveyed. The control of corruption was the deadliest one which had a sever deterioration of ratings. Government effectiveness and the rule of law on the other hand, had a slight increase of rating.
Governance has indeed worsened because better governance should strengthen the development of the country not worsen it. Because of poor governance, the Philippines is still experiencing poverty and has not improved a bit. This is why Arroyo deserves a grade of only 0.0 because of her many corruption cases and issues which just led to our country far worse than it ever is. She is a failure and the worst president the Philippines had.
Joseph Estrada
CONDITION OF THE PHILIPPINES
During the 1998 presidential election campaign, like most presidential campaign, the competition did not do anything between political platforms and programs. Estrada’s strategists were aware that there is a large percent of the population who are poor and uneducated or “masa” who were looking for a candidate whom they could relate to. Using the slogan “Erap para sa mahirap”, Estrada succeeded in inspiring the lower class people with a hope that if he wins, he will the president of the masses. Estrada was inaugurated on June 30, 1998 in the historical town of Malolos in Bulacan province in paying tribute to the cradle of the First Philippine Republic.
During Estrada’s administration, the economic teamwas strong but during the latter part, the admin failed to capitalize on the gains of the previous administration. When Estrada was accused of influencing an investigation in the stock market manipulation, foreign investments declined. The Asian Financial Crisis and climatic disturbance hindered economic performance of the country. Towards the end of his term, the fiscal deficit doubled to more than Php100 billion. However, GNP increased to 3.6% from 0.1% and GDP incurred a 4% growth rate. Debt reached Php2.1 Trillion in 1999. Inflation rate went down from 11% to just a little over 3%. The Estrada administration upheld the foreign policy thrusts of the Ramos administration, focusing on national security, economic diplomacy, assistance to nationals, and image-building. The Philippines continued to be at the forefront of the regional and multilateral arena.
PRIMARY PROBLEMS
Graft and corruption was pretty eminent not just during Estrada’s administration. Obviously, we all know Estrada was sanctioned to have been getting or robbing money from the governments’ fund to use for his own personal interest. That is why he was impeached due to his plunder and perjury case.
The Central bank raised interest rates by 1.75%. The BSP was forced to intervene heavily to defend the peso raising the overnight rate from 15% to 24%. The pesa fell from 26 per dollar to 28 pesos to 40 pesos by the end of the crisis.
The El Nino led to too many problems in the country. One of which is the serious drought of lands in the rural areas that cause the unemployment of the farmers and the rise of the prices of rice.
Of the 14.37 million families, 5.75 million belonged to the lowest 40% income group while 8.62 million in the highest 60% income bracket. In terms of percentage to total families, families in the highest 60% income strata got the biggest percentage in almost all indicators. But in terms of the percentage to the total families within each income strata, families in the lowest 40% income strata are not far off from families in the highest 60%.
PROMISES DURING THE ELECTIONS AND INAUGURATION
Estrada’s first priority was to focus on the improvement of the economy. Creating the environment of peace and order in which business does well so as to uplift the economy of the country. Estrada wanted to focus on the masses and put up programs for them first. He promised the masses that they will not suffer anymore and let the rich people take a share on the sacrifices. As he states
“As far as resources permit, to the best of our ability and the limit of our energy, we will put a roof over their heads, food on their tables, and clothes on their backs. We will educate their children and foster their health. We will bring peace and security, jobs and dignity to their lives. We will put more infrastructure at their service, to multiply their productivity and raise their incomes.”
He stated several points regarding how the government can help out in improving the country. Stamping out crimes, providing basic services without the extra cost of pork barrel, roads for work, infrastructure, schools, clinics, national defense are some of the factors Estrada promised to implement or establish. Erap swore to give at once a government that works. Estrada also promised to bring peace and harmony to the society. He wanted every Filipino, rich or poor to feel that they are safe.
LAWS AND PROGRAMS
- Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 (Republic Act No. 8749)
Designed to protect and preserve the environment and ensure the sustainable development of its natural resources.
Incentives for Regional Headquarters of Foreign Multinationals (Republic Act No. 8756)
The measure grants a host of incentives to multinational firms establishing their regional hubs in the country. It also provides a tax- and duty-free operating environment for them, and multiple entry visas to expatriates and their families, as well as a flat income tax rate of 15%.
- Retail Trade Liberalization Act (Republic Act No. 8762)
The bill dismantles 40 years of state protectionism over the country’s retail trade industry and opens the sector to big foreign players. With the retail trade liberalization, well-known foreign players like France’s Carrefour and Casino Group as well as the U.S.’ Wal-Mart and JC Penney are already in the process of negotiating with local partners.
- New General Banking Act (Republic Act No. 8791)
The measure opens up the local banking industry to foreign players after almost 50 years of having it exclusively reserved and protected for Filipino nationals. With the industry’s liberalization, at least 10 foreign banks have already established their presence in the Philippines.
- Electronic Commerce Act of 2000 (Republic Act No. 8792)
Outlaws computer hacking and provides opportunities for new businesses emerging from the Internet-driven New Economy.
- New Securities Act (Republic Act No. 8799)
This law liberalizes the securities market by shifting policy from merit regulation to full disclosure. With its strengthened provisions against fraud, the measure is expected to pave the way for the full development of the Philippine equities and securities market.
The Estrada administration widened the coverage of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) to the landless peasants in the country side. The latter’s administration distributed more than 266,000 hectares of land to 175,000 landless farmers, including land owned by the traditional rural elite. On September 1999, he issued Executive Order (EO) 151, also known as Farmer’s Trust Fund, which allows the voluntary consolidation of small farm operation into medium and large scale integrated enterprise that can access long-term capital. President Estrada launched the Magkabalikat Para sa Kaunlarang Agraryo or MAGKASAKA. The DAR forged into joint ventures with private investors into agrarian sector to make FBs competitive. In 1999 a huge fund was allocated to agricultural programs. One of which is the “Agrikulturang Maka Masa”, through which it achieved an output growth of 6 percent, a record high at the time, thereby lowering the inflation rate from 11 percent in January 1999 to just a little over 3 percent by November of the same year.
In 1998, by virtue of Executive Order No.8, President Estrada created the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF) with the objective of minimizing, if not totally eradicating, car theft and worsening kidnapping cases in the country. With the help of this task force, the Philippine National Police for the first time in history achieved a record-high trust rating of +53 percent. Panfilo Lacson was its first head. He also created the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime (PCTC) in 1999, with the objective of formulating and implementing a concerted of action of all law enforcement, intelligence and other government agencies for the prevention and control of transnational crime.
The death penalty law in the Philippines was re-enforced during the incumbency of Estrada’s predecessor, Fidel Ramos. This law provided the use of the electric chair until the gas chamber (method chosen by government to replace electrocution) could be installed. The Estrada administration peddled the death penalty as the antidote to crime. The reasoning was that if the criminals will be afraid to commit crimes if they see that the government is determined to execute them.
Under President Joseph Estrada, there was a similar attempt to change the 1987 constitution. The process is termed as CONCORD or Constitutional Correction for Development. Unlike Charter change under Ramos and Arroyo the CONCORD proposal, according to its proponents, would only amend the ‘restrictive’ economic provisions of the constitution that is considered as impeding the entry of more foreign investments in the Philippines.
- RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement
On 1999 a Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States, which was ratified in the Senate.The first Visiting Forces Agreement was actually signed under President Ramos in 1998, and the second was subsequently signed under President Estrada. The two agreements came to effect a year later. The primary effect of the Agreement is to require the U.S. government (1) to notify RP authorities when it becomes aware of the apprehension, arrest or detention of any RP personnel visiting the U.S. and (2) when so requested by the RP government, to ask the appropriate authorities to waive jurisdiction in favor of RP, except cases of special interest to the U.S. departments of State or Defense
BENEFICIARIES OF THE LAWS AND PROGRAMS
Estrada’s agrarian reform was for the benefit of those farmers living in the rural areas. CARP was for the benefit of those farmers who do not own their own land. He distributed hectares of land to those who are landless. Farmers’ Trust Fund was intended for those farmers who have small and medium capital to extend their business into a large scale accessing long term loans from the fund.
Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force was launched in order to reduce crimes such as car/kidnapping. He also created the Philippines Center on Transnational Crime. Its objective is to implement law enforcement for the prevention of crimes. Estrada also implemented the death penalty where its objective is also, to reduce serious crimes.
The Charter change turned out to be a big issue in the government. This charter change was intended to recreate the constitution. Apparently, it was not really for the benefit of the economy or the country. It was for Estrada’s own benefit to gain more power and use more government money.
Estrada also formulated the RP-US Visiting Forces agreement. This is requiring US government to notify RP authorities when it becomes aware of the apprehension, arrest or detention of any RP personnel visiting the U.S. and when so requested by the RP government, to ask the appropriate authorities to waive jurisdiction in favor of RP, except cases of special interest to the U.S. departments of State or Defense. This was for the economy of the country.
HOLES AND SHORTCOMINGS OF THE LAWS
Estrada’s Clean Air Act only focused only on the air quality management. I think it would have been more appealing and more effective if the law were not only about air management. I think if Erap implemented a law that focused on the environment as a whole and not just the air management, most citizens would have struck it thus making Estrada as a president who is really concerned about the status of our natural resources.
President Joseph Estrada urged Congress to speed up the passage of a new Securities Act aimed at promoting a more transparent and stronger stock exchange in the Philippines. He called on lawmakers to adopt models in Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia, where the public has the majority ownership of the stock market, in restructuring the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE). He adopted systems from other countries that are really improving however; it is pretty hard for the country to use it because it is way too different. The Philippines is a third world country therefore will have a hard time carrying out the adopted system.
ISSUES AND CONTROVERSIES
During the Ramos administration a cessation of hostilities agreement was signed between the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in July 1997. This was continued by a series of peace talks and negotiations in Estrada administration. However the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a Islamic group formed in 1977, seeks to be an independent Islamic State from the Philippines, despite the agreements, a sequence of terrorist attacks with the Philippine military and the civilians still continued.[2] Such of those attack are 277 violations committed, kidnapping a foreign priest, namely Father Luciano Benedetti, the occupying and setting on fire of the municipal hall of Talayan, Maguindanao; the takeover of the Kauswagan Municipal Hall; the bombing of the Lady of Mediatrix boat at Ozamiz City; and the takeover of the Narciso Ramos Highway. By doing so, they inflicted severe damage on the country’s image abroad, and scared much-needed investments away.
The plunder case consisted of four separate charges: acceptance of 545 million pesos from proceeds of Jueteng, an illegal gambling game; misappropriation of 130 million pesos in excise taxes from tobacco; receiving a 189.7-million-peso commission from the sale of the shares of Belle Corporation, a real-estate firm; and owning some 3.2 billion pesos in a bank account under the name Jose Velarde.
The minor charge of perjury is for Estrada underreporting his assets in his 1999 statement of assets and liabilities and for the illegal use of an alias, namely for the Jose Velarde bank account.
BW Resources, a small gaming company listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange and linked to people close to Estrada, experienced “a meteoric rise” in its stock price due to suspected stock price manipulation. The head of the compliance and surveillance group of PSE resigned which led to the confusion of the investigation. The events created a negative impression. “The BW controversy undermined foreign investor confidence in the stock market” and “also contributed to a major loss of confidence in the Philippines among foreign and local investors on concerns that cronyism may have played a part.”
This was the first time Filipinos would witness, through radio and television, an elected president stand in trial and face possible impeachment with full media coverage. During the trial, the prosecution presented witnesses and alleged evidences to the impeachment court regarding Estrada’s alleged involvement in jueteng. The existence of secret bank accounts that he allegedly used for receiving payoffs was also brought affront. Singson stood as witness against the president during the trial and said that he and the President were alleged partners in-charge of the countrywide jueteng operations. Singson’s testimony was one of the vital pieces of evidence that led to Estrada’s subsequent conviction.
WHAT THE PRESIDENT DID
With Erap’s plunder and perjury case, he did not do anything about it to prove that he is not doing some illegal acts. He just made a way to erase the thought in people’s minds. Because his market is the masa and the masa does not care about how their president act as long as he is doing something to uplift their sufferings, they do not keep in mind what Erap is doing may it be against the law or not. He just let the government take away his position by the impeachment trial. Erap’s perjury case was different. The Jose Velardo account was obviously one case which Estrada together with his supporters .
SUMMARY OF GOVERNANCE
Joseph Estrada was elected as president gaining most of the votes from the people. Erap won the hearts of the poor by promising them with a life where suffering does not exist. He also made it to a point to prioritize the development of the economy. Under the Asian financial crisis, Estrada did not do well in making the economy survive. Unemployment rate went up, budget deficit grew and the currency fell. Eventually, the economy recovered but at a much slower pace than other asian countries. Estrada waged an all out war against the MILF which affected a huge number of people. Crime rate also went up because of the occurring kidnapping and killings. Estrasa was charged of receiving a big amount from illegal gambling payoffs. He was impeached. The masses protested and demanded for Erap’s resignation bringin about EDSA 2 revolution.
GRADE (DLSU SYSTEM)
I think he deserves a 1.0. Although he was charged of plunder, was labeled at Jueteng Payola and labeled as a womanizer, he still made some acts to which it had a good effect on the country. Ever since Estrada was accused of laundering and pocketing a humungous amount of money, I have concluded that he is very much capable of doing such things against the country. He is a kind of person who gets what he wants. He deluged himself of wine and satisfied himself with wanton pleasure for women. These two are the most dangerous sickness a man could be inflicted with.
However, even though Erap didn’t have the educational competence, economists can prove to us that 1998-2001’s economy were in better condition. During Ramos’ administration, you can even see a slump in our economy some of which even reached the negative mark. Meaning, if he was really that good he should be able to sustain any growth he’d been saying. In fact, in 1996, our economy dipped down to a below zero mark and this can be attested by some political economic analyst. The revenue collections were very good because we had less foreign borrowings and in turn less budget deficits, unlike what’s happening to us right now. He had very good appointees that were able to alleviate budget difficulties.
Fidel V. Ramos
CONDITION OF THE PHILIPPINES
Prior to the Ramos Presidency, there were many coup d’état attempts and uprisings during the Aquino administration. This lead to a destabilized government. Politics were shaken and people started to lose their trust in the government. During the Ramos administration, civil liberty and government stability was restored.
The Philippines was recovering from economical difficulties that arose from the lack of foreign investors during the Aquino administration. Because of the Coup attempts, foreign investors felt it was risky for them to invest in the Philippines, thus, economy wasn’t booming. (Aquino Administration) During the Ramos administration however, the Philippines took pleasure from economic growth and stability. Though the Asian Financial Crisis of 1997 struck, the Philippines wasn’t as badly affected as other Asian Nations. During this crisis, the Philippine Peso devaluated and dropped because of a fiscal deficit. The people of the Phlippines needed to be empowered to think economically for the betterment of the economy. Also, prior to Ramos’ policies and laws, the Philippines was experiencing frequent brownouts lasting up to twelve hours due to old and ancient power plants.
Peace was made with the Mindanao Hostiles. Ramos became instrumental in securing the peace agreement with the Muslims.
A strong campaign for nationalism in preparation for the centennial anniversary of the Philippines was present.
PRIMARY PROBLEMS Asian Financial Crisis
In 1997, the Philippine economy plunged because of the Asian Financial Crisis. The annual growth rate of the Gross National Product fell in 1998 as compared to 1997.
The Philippines was experiencing widespread and frequent brownouts because of the huge demand for electricity and the old and depreciated power plants.
PROMISES DURING THE ELECTIONS AND INAUGURATION
• Restoration of Civic order
• Make politics serve the not the family, favored groups, or themselves, but the nation
• Restore Civility in political competition
• He will reach out to the factions of the political community to work out priorities and agendas
• He will reach out to the rebels to give up their armed struggle
• Request the Congress to convene and amend the constitution
• Nurse the economy and make it grow; generate productive employment
• Dismantling protectionist barriers and providing correct incentives and support for the industries
• Supply equal measure of agriculture
• To continue the reforms by Aquino
LAWS AND PROGRAMS
- Republic Act 7638 (Charter of the Department of Energy)
This act was signed and implemented so that the department of energy would be created. This department rationalizes the organization and functions of government agencies responsible for the management of energy in the Philippines. Being that one of the projects of Ramos was the proper management, sourcing, and allocation of energy, this act had to be implemented in order to have a department responsible for it.
- Republic Act 7648 (Electric Power Crisis)
This act prescribes the measures that are necessary and proper to effectively address the electric power crisis in our country.
- First RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement
The effect of this agreement is that it allows the government of the United States to keep the authority over their military personnel that are accused of committing crimes in the Philippines. This agreement exempts the US military personnel from visa and passport regulations in the Philippines, from being tried in Filipino religious or military courts, materials exported and imported by the military from duties or taxes. This agreement allows unrestricted movement of vessels from the United States and aircrafts in the Philippines.
- Republic Act 7832 (Anti-electricity and Electric Transmission Lines/Materials Pilferage Act)
This act penalizes theft and pilferage of electric lines and materials.
This act further allows foreign investments. It supports Republic Act 7042, which promotes foreign investments and prescribes the procedures and actions foreign investors have to do when registering for a business in the Philippines.
- Deregulation and Privatization of Major Industries
- Protection of Migrant Workers
Ramos facilitated the enactment of Republic Act 8042 which is also known as the Migrant Workers Act. This act protects Filipino workers abroad.
- Peace and Stability
- Economic Growth and Development
- Energy and Power Generation
- Environmental Protection
- Streamlined Bureaucracy
- Agrarian Reform Program
- Restatement of the Death Penalty
BENEFICIARIES OF THE LAWS AND PROGRAMS
Agrarian Reform Program
• Fishermen
• Farmers
• Agricultural Businesses
• Hacienderos (Because of CARP)
Migrant Workers Act
• The first Filipino to benefit from this is Sarah Balabagan. Because of the Flor Contemplacion case that the government failed to negotiate properly, upon learning the sentence of Sarah Balabagan, Ramos immediately ordered UAE Ambassador to facilitate the negotiations. Sarah’s case was lowered and she was released in 1996.
Republic Act 8179
Foreign investors benefited from this Act because the Philippine market was made opened to the world.
HOLES AND SHORTCOMINGS OF THE LAWS
Despite the resolution of the power shortage crisis, the Philippines fell into large debt because with the implementation of the formation of the Department of Energy, Ramos was granted special authority to give licenses to independent power producers to construct powerplants. This would guarantee that the government would buy the power that the independent power producers produced in US Dollars. When the East Asian Financial Crisis entered, this became a problem to the Philippines because the value of the peso declined. Thus, another hole of the government was that the investments from foreign investors were sought as ineffective.
Despite the implementation of the Migrant Workers Protection Program, there have been cases where the lack of focus on the program occurred. One such is the Flor Contemplation Hanging.
ISSUES AND CONTROVERSIES
- PEA-AMARI Scam Manila Bay Reclamation Deal
FVR Was accused of Corruption. This deal involved acquiring 158 hectares of reclaimed land on Manila Bay and it was supposedly going to be converted to what is called as “Freedom Islands”. The government was accused of corruption because they were said to favor Amari Costal Bay Resources and Filinvest Development by selling them a bigger portion for their own intentions. Ramos was accused that the deal was clinched to benefit the members of Lakas-NUCD, which was Ramos’ group.
- Centennial Expo and Conversion of Military Base in Fort Bonifacio for Private Development
The Centennial Expo was supposedly one of his notable contributions to the Philippines and the people. The government was charged of alleged corruption and the misuse of funds. The projects relating to the Expo site were said to be extravagant and showed the inefficiency of the administration. They said it was a convenient vehicle to effect election fund-raising for the Lakas Political Party of Ramos. The issue there was that there was a budget set for the entire project. However, not all the projects were completed but the entire budget was spent.
SUMMARY OF GOVERNANCE
Tax reformation from 4% to 10%
• Organized Cooperatives
• Ended the power crisis
• Economies of scale enhanced the productivity of the farmers
• Revival of country’s economy
• Ended oligopolies in shipping, telecommunications, and banking
• Average income of families and households increased
• Achieved peace with Muslim rebels and military rebels (won 1997 UNESCO peace award, the first Asians recieved)
GRADE (DLSU SYSTEM)
Ramos receives a grade of 3.5 because his term is considered one of the most orderly and productive presidencies in the Philippines. He pulled people to be more nationalistic through his Philippines 2000 campaign and he was able to establish foreign relations with many countries that in turn made the country rich because of the Philippine market opening to foreign businesses.
Corazon Aquino
CONDITION OF THE PHILIPPINES
Democracy was restored after the reign of Ferndinand Marcos and the declaration of the Martial Law.
A series of natural disasters hit the country such as the 1990 earthquake, the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, and a series of Typhoons.
There have been many coup d’état attempts and uprisings.
Brownouts were very frequent and would last for about 12 hours.
PRIMARY PROBLEMS
Displeased citizens
Power Shortage/Rampant Brownouts
PROMISES DURING THE ELECTIONS AND INAUGURATION
a.) erosion of our sense of nation
b.) to create jobs and livelihood
c.) deliver social services
d.) bring about peace and order
e.) improve the lives of all our people
f.) mobilize the spirit of volunteerism
-especially among the youth, by documenting and publicizing examples of selfless service to country and people by groups and individuals working in and with the grassroots
Inauguration Speech:
I, as president of the Philippines, will serve and defend its fundamental law, execute its just laws, do justice to every man, and consecrate myself to the service of the nation, so help me God.
LAWS AND PROGRAMS
a.) restoration of democracy
-abolished the legislature
-declared a revolutionary government
-wrote a new constitution (1987 Constitution)
b.) Land Reform
c.) Free secondary schooling
d.) Proclamation No.9
Cory issues Proclamation No. 9 which provides for the creation of a constitutional commission (Concom) to draft a new charter “truly reflective of the ideals and aspirations of the Filipino People,” on or before September 2 of the same year. She appoints 48 men and women, led former justice Cecilia Muñoz Palma, to be members of the Concom.
e.) Proclamation no. 1
Cory, in her inaugural address, issues her first edict: Proclamation No. 1 calling all appointive public officials to submit their courtesy resignations. In her speech, she proceeded to reorganize the government issuing Executive Order No. 1—appointing Cabinet ministers and task forces to help her run the government.
g.) Proclamation no.3
One month after assuming the presidency, Cory issues Proclamation No. 3, proclaiming her government a “revolutionary government.” With this, she suspends the 1973 Constitution installed during martial law and promulgates a provisional “Freedom Constitution,” which vests legislative making powers on her, pending the enactment of the new constitution.
h.) executive order no.88
Cory issues Executive Order 48: Creating an Ad Hoc Special Committee to supervise the liquidation of the affairs of the Constitutional Commission of 1986, preservation of its records, and to undertake its constitutional education campaign.
i.) United States trading in the First Philippine Fund Inc.
On November 9, she opens United States trading in the First Philippine Fund Inc. She later spoke at a meeting of the United States Chamber of Commerce and the United States-Philippine Business Committee, where she urged American business to increase its investment in the Philippines.
i.) ratification of a 1991 treaty
A president must also learn how to bow to the inevitable, as Cory had to do with the negotiations on the renewal of the US lease on its military bases in the Philippines. After keeping her options open, she signaled her support for the ratification of a 1991 treaty allowing the Americans continued access to the installation for ten years, with the option to renew for another ten. The Senate voted 12-11 against the agreement and the Americans were out of the country by 1992.
e.) Administrative Code of 1987
establishes the various Cabinet departments and offices falling within the executive branch of government, and under the direct control and supervision of the President. The Code also prescribes the administrative procedure undertaken in proceedings before the offices under the executive department.
• Executive Order No. 228, July 16, 1987 – Declared full ownership to qualified farmer-beneficiaries covered by PD 27. It also determined the value remaining unvalued rice and corn lands subject of PD 27 and provided for the manner of payment by the FBs and mode of compensation to landowners.
• Executive Order No. 229, July 22, 1987 – Provided mechanism for the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).
• Proclamation No. 131, July 22, 1987 – Instituted the CARP as a major program of the government. It provided for a special fund known as the Agrarian Reform Fund (ARF), with an initial amount of Php50 billion to cover the estimated cost of the program from 1987-1992.
• Executive Order No. 129-A, July 26, 1987 – streamlined and expanded the power and operations of the DAR.
• Republic Act No. 6657, June 10, 1988 (Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law) – An act which became effective June 15, 1988 and instituted a comprehensive agrarian reform program to promote social justice and industrialization providing the mechanism for its implementation and for other purposes. This law is still the one being implemented at present.
• Executive Order No. 405, June 14, 1990 – Vested in the Land Bank of the Philippines the responsibility to determine land valuation and compensation for all lands covered by CARP.
• Executive Order No. 407, June 14, 1990 – Accelerated the acquisition and distribution of agricultural lands, pasture lands, fishponds, agro-forestry lands and other lands of the public domain suitable for agriculture.
BENEFICIARIES OF THE LAWS AND PROGRAMS
The Common People – Because they were just coming out of the Marcos Regime. They were looking for democracy and freedom.
Corporate Owners of the Lands (Agrarian Reform) – There were holes in the law which made it possible for the companies to distribute stocks instead of land ownership to the farmers.
HOLES AND SHORTCOMINGS OF THE LAWS
She wasn’t really able to solve the country’s problems by implementing all that she promised because she was constantly distracted by coups that threatened the country and her administration. She focused a lot on disaster management but it was necessary for her to keep the peace.
ISSUES AND CONTROVERSIES
Aquino was not spared from the controversies that eventually centered on Hacienda Luisita, a 6,453-hectare estate located in the Province of Tarlac, which she inherited from her family. She was scored for allowing Hacienda Luisita, which was now owned by the Tarlac Development Corporation, to opt for stock distribution, instead of land redistribution. She also has an issue concerning the farmers of Mendiola being massacred.
SUMMARY OF GOVERNANCE
Corazon Aquino became the president of the country because the people believed she was the positive change they needed especially since her husband, Ninoy, who was supposed to be the change for the country, passed away in a gunshot. During her administration, Cory was plagued by coup d’etats by various groups that foreign investors started to pull their investments from the country. That’s why a lot of her efforts were pointed towards disaster management from the various groups and sometimes, her motherly methods such as giving cake worked. She was also linked to controversies such as massacring farmers in Mendiola and holding the land she inherited rather than having it distributed. Despite these problems, The economy still had a positive growth during her term with an average of 3.8% by the end of it. Cory, although wasn’t the best qualified president, still did a pretty good job. Compared to Marcos or Ramos though, it still fell short of what truly makes a spectacular leader which is why she’s rated as average.
GRADE (DLSU SYSTEM)
- 2.0
- measured her not only in terms of moral character and her desire to help the Philippines
- failed in making the Philippines economically stable
- focused on ensuring democracy to the people
- reformation of the constitution putting
more emphasis on human rights and civil
liberties
Ferdinand Marcos
CONDITION OF THE PHILIPPINES
There was a decrease of freedom and democracy during the second term of Ferdinand Marcos.
Because of the developments (economically, industrially, and infrastructures) Marcos accomplished, there was a massive increase in tourism rates.
The Marcoses established good relations with world leaders, therefore bringing the Philippines’ image to higher grounds. Foreign relations brought foreign investments in and made the economy boom. During this time, the ratio of the peso to a dollar is 1:1. However, the economy took a downturn during his second term and the prices of the market increased.
Corruption allegations against the government and people’s oppositions to the laws and “dictatorship” of Marcos brought about uprisings and reformation movements to oust the president (PP1)
There was an increase in job opportunities but it declined eventually. In relation to this, huge economic accelerations from OFW remittances were occurring. But declined after the Aquino’s killing controversy.
The inflation rate was high and critics claim it was because of overspending the 1969 budget.
PRIMARY PROBLEMS
- Rampant Corruption in the Government and abuse of authority and power
- Increased crime rates (before martial law) due to poverty
PROMISES DURING THE ELECTIONS AND INAUGURATION
• Reformation of International and Domestic Policies (Political, Social, Economical, and Legal Systems)
• Renovation of Roads, Buildings, Public Works and other Infrastructures
• Fix the judiciary systems of the Philippines
• Diminish, prevent, and attack the problem of the government regarding corruption
• Make the Philippines rise to greatness once more
“This nation can be great again. This I have said over and over. It is my articles of faith, and Divine Providence has willed that you and I can now translate this faith into deeds.”
• Economic Development and Good Government
LAWS AND PROGRAMS
Martial Law was declared by Marcos to suppress the increasing civil discord and the threats of communist conquest. The declaration was initially granted by some sectors bit it eventually became unpopular to the people and the masses because of the human rights abuses by the military.
- Investment Incentives Act of 1967
BENEFICIARIES OF THE LAWS AND PROGRAMS
During his first term Marcos focused on developing infrastructure, the development of the North Luzon Expressway benefitted the Filipino common man. Marcos also had livelihood programs for LGU’s to help make their communities more economically developed. The implementation of Martial Law turned to out to be beneficiary to the Philippines during the first year of implementation to till the 80’s the countries GNP increased from P55 billion to P193 billion, this however came at the expense of the Filipinos who lost their sense of democracy during Martial Law.
HOLES AND SHORTCOMINGS OF THE LAWS The policies implemented were not structured and formulated to resolve the problems on poverty.
In his earlier term, good governance was present. However, upon entry of his wife, Imelda, corruption started to surface.
An increase in the population of people included below the poverty line.
ISSUES AND CONTROVERSIES
- Declaration of Martial Law
- Assassination of Benigno Aquino
SUMMARY OF GOVERNANCE
During his first term Marcos focused on developing the country’s infrastructure, economy and the agriculture industry. Marcos helped the Philippines reach economic prosperity during the first few years of his terms, also putting up a lot of schools; he put up more schools than all of the previous presidents combined.
Constant threats to the Marcos administration led him to the implementation of Martial Law. The whole country was put under the military’s control. It was well received during the first year as crime rates all over the Philippines dropped and given the social turmoil in the Philippines at the time it was deemed necessary. But after nine years, the military took more excessive actions. Military units were in control of domestic air flights, all incoming calls in the Philippines were not allowed and even stricter curfews were implemented.
The downfall of his administration came when Benigno Aquino was assassinated this fueled even more activist to go into rallies to fight against his administration. In 1986 Marcos held a snap election in order to stop rumors that his government was being overthrown. Ultimately he was driven out of the country with People Power.
GRADE (DLSU SYSTEM)
2.5
Marcos aimed to establish the Philippines in the foreign context. He further built foreign relations with world royalties and powers and he succeeded in this endeavor. During his reign, he had hoped to establish the Philippine culture and make the country known as a civilized society as opposed to what other first world nations had thought of prior. He encouraged tourism, economic growth, foreign recognition, and discipline, which he was able to attain during his first term. However a sharp downfall came during his later years in the presidency. He declared martial law which started a chaotic nation under his dictatorship and tyranny. Because of his “good start” and accomplishments that we can say helped develop the good parts of today; but, we cannot neglect the lack of leadership in the last few years of his term and the unanswered questions regarding the controversies plus the shortcomings of his presidency.
Diosdado Macapagal
CONDITION OF THE PHILIPPINES
There were many uprisings against the Aquino administration
There was a widespread of poverty
Graft and corruption throughout the country
Continues to undergo the economic controls that had been in operation since 1948
PRIMARY PROBLEMS
• Low living standards of the masses
• Lack of economic stability
• Unemployment
• Devaluation of the Philippine Peso
Foreigners could now buy and control more local businesses easily because of the exchange rate. They were richer than the Philippines.
• Revocation of 350 midnight appointments
Garcia appointed 350 people into certain positions before he stepped down as president (A few hours before) Most controversial position was the central bank governor. This act was against the Saligang Batas; However, the supreme court still had the final authority/”say”.
PROMISES DURING THE ELECTIONS AND INAUGURATION
Macapagal promised a program for the socio-economic aspect of society wherein he’d return free and private enterprises wherein economic developments would be placed in the hands of private entrepreneurs wherein the government would have minimal control over.
He declared that he would be the president of both the rich and the poor. He promises to erase that line between the wealthy and the unfortunate. Mostly by elevating the poor’s status to have a more copious life.
“I shall be president not only of the rich but more so of the poor. We must help bridge the wide gap between the poor man and the man of wealth, not by pulling down the rich to his level as Communism desires, but by raising the poor towards the more abundant life.”
The Malacanang Palace is to be opened to the public.
Restoration of morality to the public by alleviating the stature of the masses.
Promised to end corruption, and establish anti-terrorism.
LAWS AND PROGRAMS
Opened Malacanang to the Public; however it didn’t last long because people started to only loft around.
Dismissed Corruption in the government when the official couldn’t justify his sudden acquisition of wealth.
Changed the Date of the Philippine Independence from June 12 to July 4.
Agricultural Land Reform Code of 1963
Abolished share tendency on rice and corn farmlands and establishment of a leasehold system where farmers would pay rentals to landlords instead of harvests.
BENEFICIARIES OF THE LAWS AND PROGRAMS
Corrupt Congressmen and Businessmen
Stonehill
HOLES AND SHORTCOMINGS OF THE LAWS
He prevented his government from “tracking down” the sources of corruption by firing the officers alleged with corruption and deporting Stonehill. This way, he got in the way of one of his promises.
He failed to solve major social and economical problems.
Macapagal wasn’t able to effectively maximize the programs for the people to alleviate poverty
ISSUES AND CONTROVERSIES
Graft and Corruption (Stonehill Scandal)
Rise in Consumer Goods Prices
Peace and Order Issues
Macapagal’s privileged subjects in congress and business paraded their lavish wealth in conspicuous parties and anomalous deals.
SUMMARY OF GOVERNANCE
Diosdado Macapagal was chosen by the people of the Philippines to be their president in 1961 and his term ended in 1965. Considered to be incorruptible by most during the time, he may have served as an inspiration to his people. That’s why he included the need for the country to have a good grasp of good morals and ethics. He also wanted to end corruption, poverty, homelessness, and other various problems that plagued the common man. During his entire term however, none of what he promised or wanted was really achieved. This makes him look quite bad as a leader of the country contrary to what he was supposed to be seen as. He’s the type of person who’s more on talk rather than action. The devaluation of the Philippine Peso started during his term which makes him, in the eyes of some, the root of a lot of today’s problems in the country. Other than that, he returned free trade and free enterprise to the country which crushed local goods and businesses which continue to suffer up to today. When it came to his promises to the common man, the farmers in particular, he was unable to keep his them during his term. He was unable to give them the land they needed because aside from having no specific time table as to when they were to receive the land, the government didn’t have the money to purchase the land from the hacienderos which was to be distributed to the farmers in the first place. Basically, he made really good speeches and the country didn’t “die” when he was in power but he wasn’t able to do anything great that problems were removed. If common people today are asked about what he did, the answer may be as extreme as “Nothing!” or funny as “He fathered a dwarf!” Diosdado probably wasn’t a bad man and may actually be “incorruptible” despite the issues. Unfortunately, his term and his leadership are now seen as either unproductive to the country or were the root causes the still continuing fall of the Philippine economy today. That is why he is rated just high enough to pass but not high enough to be considered a good president.
GRADE (DLSU SYSTEM)
He deserves a grade of 1.0 because he didn’t achieve any of his promises during his term but the country didn’t go into a state of despair.
