Political and Economic Turmoil in the Philippines After Marcos Regime

Dawn of a New Era, Shadow of the Past

The EDSA Revolution of February 1986 stands as a watershed moment in Philippine history. Millions of Filipinos, fueled by decades of discontent under Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s authoritarian rule, converged on Epifanio de los Santos Avenue in a stunning display of non-violent People Power. The air crackled with hope and euphoria as the Marcos family fled Malacañang Palace, ending a 21-year reign marked by martial law, human rights abuses, rampant corruption, and economic plunder. The Philippines after Marcos regime began with an overwhelming sense of possibility – a chance to rebuild democratic institutions, restore civil liberties, and chart a course towards economic recovery and justice.

However, the promise of restoration was immediately confronted by the grim realities inherited from the dictatorship. The Marcos regime had not only dismantled democratic structures but had also systematically hollowed out the nation’s coffers, leaving behind a legacy of staggering foreign debt and deeply entrenched crony capitalism Philippines. The political landscape was scarred by polarization and mistrust, while the economy teetered on the brink of collapse. The initial optimism following EDSA was tempered by the monumental task of navigating the deep-seated political turmoil Philippines and economic turmoil Philippines that were the direct consequences of Marcos’s long rule. The journey from authoritarianism towards a stable, prosperous democracy would prove far more complex and turbulent than many had initially envisioned. This blog post delves into the multifaceted challenges and transformations that have defined the post-Marcos era, examining the interplay of politics and economics across successive administrations.

The Rocky Road to Political Stability: Transition and Transformation (Post-1986)

The departure of Marcos did not automatically usher in an era of stability. Instead, the Philippines embarked on a tumultuous journey of redefining its political identity, rebuilding institutions, and grappling with persistent threats to its nascent democracy. Each succeeding administration faced unique challenges while also contending with the enduring legacies of the past.

The Aquino Presidency (Corazon C. Aquino, 1986-1992): Restoring Democracy Amidst Crisis

Corazon “Cory” Aquino, the widow of assassinated opposition leader Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., became the reluctant symbol of the EDSA Revolution and the nation’s first female president. The primary mandate of the Cory Aquino administration was the restoration of democratic institutions.

Crafting the 1987 Constitution: A cornerstone of her presidency was the rapid drafting and overwhelming ratification of the 1987 Constitution. This document dismantled the structures of Marcos’s authoritarian rule, re-establishing a presidential system with checks and balances, a bicameral legislature, an independent judiciary, and a robust Bill of Rights. It explicitly aimed to prevent the return of dictatorship.
Challenges to Stability: Despite popular support, Aquino’s presidency was besieged by instability. Elements within the military, particularly the Reform the Armed Forces Movement (RAM) led by figures like Gregorio Honasan, felt marginalized and launched at least seven coup attempts against her government. These destabilization efforts, though ultimately unsuccessful, consumed significant government attention and resources, hindering governance and economic recovery efforts. They highlighted the deep factionalism within the armed forces and the fragility of the newly restored democracy.
Persistent Insurgencies: The Aquino government also inherited long-standing communist (Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army or CPP-NPA) and Moro separatist (Moro National Liberation Front – MNLF, and the emerging Moro Islamic Liberation Front – MILF) insurgencies. While peace talks were initiated, achieving lasting solutions proved elusive. The conflicts continued to drain resources, cause displacement, and contribute to the overall sense of instability, particularly in rural areas.
Balancing Democracy Restoration with Governance Challenges: President Aquino focused heavily on restoring democratic processes and freedoms, often prioritizing consultation and consensus-building. However, critics argued this sometimes came at the expense of decisive action needed to address urgent economic problems and quell destabilization threats. Her administration laid the crucial groundwork for democracy but struggled to fully consolidate political power and address the deep-seated structural issues plaguing the nation.

The Ramos Presidency (Fidel V. Ramos, 1992-1998): Seeking Stability and Economic Growth

Fidel V. Ramos, a former military general who played a key role in defecting from Marcos during EDSA and later served as Aquino’s Defense Secretary and Armed Forces Chief, won the presidency in 1992. The Ramos administration prioritized political stability and economic modernization.

“Philippines 2000”: Ramos unveiled an ambitious socio-economic program aiming to transform the Philippines into a newly industrialized country (NIC) by the year 2000. This involved aggressive economic liberalization, deregulation, and privatization to attract foreign investment and stimulate growth.
Political Stability Measures: Learning from the instability of the previous administration, Ramos took decisive steps to consolidate control and foster peace. He reached out to military rebels, communist insurgents, and Moro separatists. A significant achievement was the signing of a final peace agreement with the MNLF in 1996, creating the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). He also successfully neutralized the threat of military coups, contributing to a perception of greater political stability compared to the Aquino years.
Economic Liberalization and its Political Dimensions: Ramos pursued policies opening up key sectors like telecommunications, banking, and transportation to competition, dismantling monopolies often linked to Marcos-era cronies. While lauded for breaking up entrenched interests and fostering dynamism, these reforms also faced political resistance and raised concerns about foreign dominance and potential job displacement.
Strengthening Institutions vs. Enduring Political Patronage: Ramos worked to strengthen state institutions and promote a more professional bureaucracy. However, the deep-rooted culture of political dynasties Philippines and patronage politics persisted, often influencing policy implementation and resource allocation, showcasing the difficulty of enacting deep structural political reforms. His focus on stability and economic opening provided a much-needed respite, though critics pointed to the limited impact on poverty reduction.

The Estrada Presidency (Joseph Ejercito Estrada, 1998-2001): Populism, Scandal, and People Power II

Former movie star Joseph “Erap” Estrada rode a wave of populist sentiment to a landslide presidential victory in 1998. The Estrada presidency, however, was short-lived and ended in another popular uprising.

Rise of Populism: Estrada campaigned on a pro-poor platform (“Erap Para sa Mahirap” – Erap for the Poor), resonating strongly with the masses who felt left behind by the economic reforms of the Ramos era. His presidency highlighted the enduring appeal of populist leaders in the face of persistent inequality.
Corruption Allegations and Impeachment Trial: Within two years, Estrada faced serious allegations of receiving payoffs from illegal gambling syndicates (jueteng) and other corrupt practices. The House of Representatives initiated an impeachment trial, which was televised nationally.
EDSA II Revolution: When senators allied with Estrada voted against opening crucial evidence during the impeachment trial in January 2001, public outrage erupted. Hundreds of thousands converged again on EDSA, demanding his resignation. This “EDSA II” led to the withdrawal of support from the military and Estrada’s ouster from power.
Impact on Political Trust and Institutional Integrity: Estrada’s downfall underscored the public’s low tolerance for high-level corruption but also raised questions about the constitutionality and long-term implications of removing a democratically elected president through popular protest aided by military withdrawal of support. It further deepened political polarization and damaged trust in political institutions. The political turmoil Philippines reached another peak.

The Arroyo Presidency (Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, 2001-2010): Controversy and Continuity

Vice President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo assumed the presidency after EDSA II and subsequently won a full six-year term in the highly controversial 2004 elections. The Arroyo presidency spanned nearly a decade, marked by economic management efforts amidst persistent political crises.

Legitimacy Questions and Political Polarization: Arroyo’s ascent to power via EDSA II was questioned by Estrada supporters, leading to immediate political instability (including the attempted “EDSA III” siege of Malacañang by Estrada loyalists). Her administration faced legitimacy challenges throughout its tenure.
The “Hello Garci” Scandal: The 2004 presidential election was marred by allegations of cheating, solidified by the emergence of wiretapped recordings (the “Hello Garci” tapes) purportedly capturing Arroyo instructing an election official to manipulate the results. This scandal triggered impeachment attempts, coup plots, and widespread protests, severely undermining her credibility and further polarizing the political landscape.
Managing Governance Amidst Constant Political Challenges: Despite the controversies, Arroyo proved to be a resilient political operator, surviving multiple impeachment attempts and coup rumors. Her administration focused on maintaining political alliances (often through controversial means, according to critics) and implementing economic programs.
Economic Management as a Political Tool: Facing constant political threats, Arroyo often used economic policy and government resources to shore up support. Her administration oversaw periods of respectable GDP growth and implemented key fiscal reforms, but was also criticized for failing to curb corruption and significantly reduce poverty. Philippine governance faced severe tests during this period.

The Aquino III Presidency (Benigno S. Aquino III, 2010-2016): Anti-Corruption Drive and Political Reforms

Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, son of Cory Aquino, won the presidency in 2010 on an anti-corruption platform. The Noynoy Aquino administration aimed to restore trust in government and promote good governance.

“Daang Matuwid” (Straight Path) Policy: This became the administration’s slogan and guiding principle, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and fighting corruption. The goal was to level the playing field and create a more predictable environment for governance and business.
Accountability Measures: Aquino pursued high-profile cases against alleged corrupt officials. This included the impeachment and removal of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona and the indictment and arrest of three prominent senators (including Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada, and Bong Revilla) over pork barrel scam allegations. These actions signaled a serious commitment to fighting impunity, though critics noted perceived selective justice.
Navigating Political Opposition and Maintaining Stability: While enjoying high approval ratings for much of his term, Aquino faced criticism over his handling of certain crises (like the Mamasapano clash) and policy challenges. However, his administration maintained relative political stability compared to its predecessors.
West Philippine Sea Dispute: The administration took a strong stance against China’s increasing assertiveness in the West Philippine Sea, pursuing international arbitration under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This resulted in a landmark ruling in favor of the Philippines in July 2016 (shortly after Aquino left office), though enforcement remained a major challenge. This issue dominated foreign policy discussions and had significant domestic political resonance.

The Duterte Presidency (Rodrigo Roa Duterte, 2016-2022): Disruption and Strongman Politics

Former Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte won the 2016 election with a promise of radical change, particularly in tackling crime and drugs. The Duterte administration represented a significant shift in political style and policy direction.

The Controversial War on Drugs: Duterte launched an aggressive anti-drug campaign immediately upon taking office. While popular among many seeking order, it drew widespread international condemnation for alleged extrajudicial killings and human rights violations. This became the defining and most controversial aspect of his presidency, deeply dividing the nation and straining relations with traditional Western allies.
Shift in Foreign Policy: Duterte pursued an “independent foreign policy,” pivoting away from the country’s traditional alliance with the United States towards closer ties with China and Russia. This involved downplaying the West Philippine Sea dispute in exchange for anticipated economic benefits from China, a move praised by some for its pragmatism and criticized by others for potentially compromising sovereignty.
Push for Federalism: Duterte advocated for shifting from a unitary to a federal system of government, arguing it would empower regions and address historical grievances, particularly in Mindanao. However, the push faced significant hurdles in Congress and lacked widespread public consensus, ultimately failing to materialize during his term.
Populist Rhetoric and its Effect on Democratic Norms: Duterte’s blunt, often inflammatory rhetoric and attacks on critics (including the media, judiciary, and human rights groups) raised concerns about the erosion of democratic institutions and norms. His presidency reflected a global trend of rising populism and challenged established political conventions in the Philippines after Marcos regime.

The Marcos Jr. Presidency (Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., 2022-Present): Continuity, Change, and Historical Reckoning

The 2022 election saw the return of the Marcos family to Malacañang with the victory of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., son of the late dictator. The Marcos Jr. administration faces the challenge of navigating contemporary issues while dealing with the long shadow of his family’s past.

The Return of the Marcoses: Marcos Jr.’s victory, achieved through a campaign emphasizing unity and leveraging social media, marked a stunning political comeback. It reignited debates about historical memory, accountability for the abuses and plunder during his father’s regime, and the resilience of political dynasties Philippines. His election deeply divided the nation, particularly along generational lines and among victims of martial law.
Balancing Continuity with Campaign Promises: The administration has signaled continuity in some areas (e.g., infrastructure focus, certain economic policies) while promising change in others (e.g., agricultural reform, controlling inflation). Early policy moves suggest a pragmatic approach, blending elements from previous administrations.
Navigating Current Political Landscape and Global Challenges: Marcos Jr. inherited pressing issues like soaring inflation (particularly food and energy prices), the ongoing economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions (including the West Philippine Sea), and the persistent problems of poverty and inequality. His administration must navigate these complex challenges while consolidating its political base.
Economic Issues Shaping the Political Agenda: Addressing inflation and ensuring food security quickly became top priorities, reflecting the immediate impact of economic hardship on political stability and public approval. The administration’s handling of these economic turmoil Philippines issues will be crucial in defining its trajectory.

The Lingering Economic Shadow: Debt, Development, and Disparity

Parallel to the political upheavals, the Philippine economy in the post-Marcos era has been on a rollercoaster ride, grappling with inherited burdens, implementing reforms, facing external shocks, and struggling to achieve truly inclusive growth.

The Marcos Legacy: A Crippled Economy

The end of the Marcos regime revealed an economy in ruins, plundered for personal gain and mismanaged through cronyism.

Massive Foreign Debt: One of the most crippling legacies was the enormous foreign debt, which ballooned from less than $1 billion in 1965 to around $26 billion by 1986. Much of this debt funded wasteful projects or was allegedly siphoned off through corruption, leaving subsequent generations to foot the bill. Managing this Philippine debt crisis became a primary challenge for the Aquino administration and its successors.
Crony Capitalism: Marcos favored friends and relatives, granting them monopolies, behest loans (loans granted without proper collateral or viability, often upon Marcos’s instruction), and preferential treatment. This system of crony capitalism Philippines distorted markets, stifled competition, discouraged genuine entrepreneurship, and led to inefficient resource allocation. Dismantling these structures proved difficult.
Infrastructure Decay and Neglected Sectors: While the Marcos regime undertook some high-profile infrastructure projects, many were overpriced or poorly planned. Key sectors like agriculture and basic services suffered from neglect, contributing to widespread poverty, particularly in rural areas. The energy sector, in particular, was left in a precarious state, leading to power crises in the early 1990s.
Poverty and Inequality Exacerbated: By the end of the Marcos years, poverty incidence was extremely high, and income inequality had worsened significantly. The regime’s economic policies benefited a select few while leaving the majority of Filipinos impoverished.

Post-EDSA Economic Policies and Performance: A Mixed Bag

Successive administrations implemented various economic strategies, yielding mixed results in the face of domestic challenges and global economic shifts.

Aquino Sr. Era (1986-1992): Focused on stabilization, negotiating debt restructuring agreements with international creditors (though criticized for honoring all debts, including fraudulent ones), and restoring fiscal discipline. Launched the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) to address rural inequality, but implementation faced significant hurdles and loopholes favoring landowners. The administration also grappled with a severe power crisis in its later years, hindering economic activity.
Ramos Era (1992-1998): Pursued aggressive liberalization, privatization of state-owned enterprises (like PLDT, Petron), and deregulation to attract investment under the “Philippines 2000” banner. Achieved notable GDP growth initially and resolved the power crisis. However, the Philippines was significantly impacted by the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, which exposed vulnerabilities despite claims of better fundamentals compared to neighbors. Poverty reduction remained slow.
Estrada Era (1998-2001): Aimed to focus on agriculture and poverty alleviation (“Angat Pinoy 2004,” JEEP – Jeeps ni Erap Program). However, economic momentum slowed due to perceived policy drift and the political instability surrounding the corruption scandals and his eventual ouster. Investor confidence waned significantly during this period.
Arroyo Era (2001-2010): Implemented fiscal reforms, most notably the Expanded Value Added Tax (EVAT) law in 2005, which shored up government revenues and improved the fiscal position. The economy registered relatively strong GDP growth during her tenure, weathering the 2008 Global Financial Crisis better than many countries due to strong OFW remittances and a resilient business process outsourcing (BPO) sector. However, this growth did not translate into significant reductions in poverty Philippines, and inequality remained high. Corruption scandals also tainted economic management.
Aquino III Era (2010-2016): Focused on fiscal consolidation and good governance (“Daang Matuwid”) to improve the investment climate. Achieved investment-grade credit ratings from major agencies for the first time, boosting investor confidence. Expanded the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps) to target poverty. Promoted Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) for infrastructure, though project rollout was slower than anticipated. While GDP growth was strong, critics questioned its inclusiveness and sustainability, pointing to persistent underemployment and issues in the agricultural sector. Philippine economy history saw positive macro indicators but struggled with trickle-down effects.
Duterte Era (2016-2022): Continued focus on macroeconomic stability while launching ambitious programs like the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law (which lowered income taxes but increased excise taxes) and the “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program. Aimed to accelerate infrastructure development, though many projects faced delays. Inflation became a concern, particularly pre-pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the economy, leading to a sharp contraction in 2020 and increased government debt.
Marcos Jr. Era (2022-Present): Inherited high inflation, particularly in food and energy, driven by global factors and domestic supply issues (e.g., agriculture). Prioritizing inflation control, food security, and managing the high debt-to-GDP ratio resulting from pandemic spending. Pursuing the controversial Maharlika Investment Fund, a sovereign wealth fund, amidst concerns about governance and potential risks. The administration faces the challenge of sustaining recovery and navigating global economic headwinds while addressing long-standing structural weaknesses.

Persistent Economic Challenges Across Administrations

Despite varying policies and periods of growth, several fundamental economic challenges have persisted throughout the post-Marcos era.

Poverty and Inequality: While poverty incidence has generally trended downwards, progress has been slow, and millions remain trapped in poverty. Inequality remains stark, with wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, often linked to political dynasties Philippines. Regional disparities are also significant.
Unemployment and Underemployment: Generating enough quality jobs remains a major challenge. Official unemployment figures often mask high rates of underemployment, where workers desire more hours or hold jobs that don’t fully utilize their skills. The economy remains heavily reliant on remittances from Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), highlighting a lack of sufficient domestic opportunities.
Agricultural Sector Stagnation: The farm sector, crucial for food security and employing a large portion of the population, has suffered from chronic underinvestment, weak infrastructure, land tenure issues (despite CARP), and vulnerability to climate change. This contributes to rural poverty and high food prices.
Infrastructure Gap: Despite programs like “Build, Build, Build,” the Philippines still lags behind regional peers in infrastructure quality (transportation, energy, digital connectivity), hindering productivity and competitiveness.
Corruption: Endemic corruption continues to plague Philippine governance, diverting public funds meant for development, increasing the cost of doing business, and undermining public trust. It remains a significant drag on economic efficiency and inclusive growth.
Global Economic Vulnerabilities: The Philippine economy is susceptible to global commodity price shocks, fluctuations in remittance flows, trade protectionism, and the increasing impacts of climate change (typhoons, droughts).

The Unbreakable Link: How Politics and Economy Intertwine

The political turmoil Philippines and economic turmoil Philippines in the post-Marcos era are deeply interconnected, creating a cycle where instability in one sphere often exacerbates problems in the other.

Political Instability’s Toll on Investment and Growth: Periods of heightened political instability—coup attempts during Cory Aquino’s term, the ouster of Estrada, the “Hello Garci” scandal under Arroyo—directly impacted investor confidence, leading to capital flight, currency depreciation, and slower economic growth. A stable and predictable political environment is crucial for long-term economic planning and investment.
Corruption as an Economic Drain and Political Tool: Corruption not only diverts resources from essential services and infrastructure but also distorts policy-making. Corrupt practices often serve to maintain political alliances and fund campaigns, perpetuating a system where economic resources are captured by political elites. The fight against corruption is thus both an economic necessity and a political imperative.
Economic Performance as a Key Factor in Political Legitimacy and Elections: Public perception of economic management significantly influences presidential approval ratings and election outcomes. Administrations that oversee periods of growth often gain political capital, while economic hardship (like high inflation or unemployment) can fuel discontent and political challenges. Populist leaders often rise by promising swift economic relief to marginalized groups.
The Role of Political Dynasties in Economic Resource Control: The prevalence of political dynasties Philippines often concentrates both political power and economic control within a limited number of families. This can lead to policies that favor entrenched interests, hinder competition, and perpetuate inequality, making it difficult to implement reforms that challenge the status quo.
Policy Whiplash: Frequent changes in administration can lead to abrupt shifts in economic strategy and priorities (policy whiplash). This lack of long-term policy continuity can deter investors seeking predictability and hinder the progress of long-gestation projects like infrastructure development.

Conclusion: Navigating the Continuing Turmoil

The nearly four decades since the end of the Marcos regime have been a period of profound transformation yet persistent struggle for the Philippines. The nation successfully restored democratic institutions after 1986, a monumental achievement born from the EDSA Revolution legacy. However, consolidating that democracy and achieving broad-based economic prosperity have proven to be arduous tasks, marked by recurring cycles of political turmoil Philippines and economic turmoil Philippines.

From the coup attempts under Cory Aquino to the populist ouster of Estrada, the legitimacy crises under Arroyo, the drug war controversies under Duterte, and the historic return of the Marcoses, the political landscape has remained dynamic and often volatile. Enduring issues like pervasive corruption, the dominance of political dynasties Philippines, weak political parties, and ongoing insurgencies continue to challenge Philippine governance.

Economically, the Philippines after Marcos regime shed the shackles of the dictator’s debt-ridden, crony-dominated system but struggled to overcome deep-seated structural problems. While administrations pursued various reforms – liberalization under Ramos, fiscal consolidation under Arroyo and Aquino III, infrastructure focus under Duterte – achieving sustainable and inclusive growth remains elusive. Poverty Philippines persists at unacceptable levels, inequality is stark, and key sectors like agriculture lag. The Philippine economy history post-1986 is a narrative of resilience and potential marred by vulnerability and unfulfilled promises.

The path forward requires addressing the intertwined nature of political and economic challenges. Strengthening institutions, ensuring accountability, fostering genuine political competition beyond personalities and dynasties, and implementing consistent, long-term economic strategies focused on inclusive growth, job creation, and poverty reduction are crucial. The journey since 1986 shows that while progress is possible, navigating the continuing turmoil demands unwavering commitment to democratic principles, good governance, and policies that uplift the lives of all Filipinos.

Key Takeaways

The Philippines after Marcos regime began with restored democracy but inherited severe political instability and economic devastation (Philippine debt crisis, crony capitalism Philippines).
Successive presidencies (Aquino Sr. to Marcos Jr.) faced unique political challenges, including coup attempts, corruption scandals, impeachment, popular uprisings (EDSA II), insurgencies, and human rights controversies, contributing to ongoing political turmoil Philippines.
Economic policies shifted across administrations (liberalization, fiscal reform, infrastructure drives), leading to periods of growth but failing to consistently address deep-rooted economic turmoil Philippines, including persistent poverty Philippines, inequality, and unemployment.
Philippine governance has been hampered by endemic corruption, the influence of political dynasties Philippines, and policy discontinuity linked to political cycles.
Political stability and economic progress are inextricably linked; instability hinders investment, while poor economic performance fuels political discontent.
Achieving sustainable development requires addressing both political and economic reforms simultaneously, focusing on institutional strengthening, accountability, and inclusive growth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What were the biggest immediate challenges facing the Philippines after Marcos?
- A1: The biggest immediate challenges were restoring democratic institutions dismantled by Marcos, managing the massive foreign debt ($26 billion), dealing with multiple coup attempts from factions within the military, reviving a crippled economy plagued by cronyism, and addressing ongoing communist and Moro insurgencies.
Q2: Did the Philippine economy recover after Marcos?
- A2: The economy experienced periods of recovery and growth, particularly under Ramos, Arroyo, and Aquino III. However, recovery has been uneven and incomplete. While macroeconomic indicators often improved, translating this growth into significant reductions in poverty and inequality proved difficult. Structural issues like corruption, infrastructure gaps, and agricultural stagnation continue to hinder sustained, inclusive development, contributing to ongoing economic turmoil Philippines.
Q3: How did the EDSA Revolution impact Philippine politics long-term?
- A3: The EDSA Revolution legacy is complex. It successfully restored democracy and enshrined safeguards against dictatorship in the 1987 Constitution. It also established “People Power” as a potent, albeit controversial, force in politics (seen again in EDSA II). However, it did not fundamentally alter the underlying structures of Philippine politics, such as the dominance of political dynasties Philippines and patronage, leading some to argue its revolutionary potential was not fully realized.
Q4: Why does corruption remain a major problem in the Philippines post-Marcos?
- A4: Corruption remains pervasive due to a combination of factors: weak institutions, lack of consistent enforcement and accountability (impunity), the high cost of elections encouraging illicit fundraising, the prevalence of patronage politics, cultural factors, and the concentration of power within political dynasties Philippines. While anti-corruption efforts have been made (Noynoy Aquino administration‘s “Daang Matuwid”), systemic change has been difficult to achieve.
Q5: Has the political landscape become more or less stable since 1986?
- A5: It’s difficult to give a simple yes/no. Overt threats like large-scale military coup attempts have subsided since the early post-EDSA years. However, the political turmoil Philippines has manifested in other ways: impeachment crises, popular uprisings leading to leadership changes, intense political polarization, extrajudicial killing controversies, and challenges to democratic norms. While the framework of democracy remains, its quality and stability are constantly tested.
Q6: What is the significance of the Marcos family returning to power?
- A6: The return of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the presidency in 2022 is highly significant. It represents a major political realignment, fueled by factors like historical revisionism facilitated by social media, disillusionment with post-EDSA politics, and powerful political alliances. It forces a national reckoning with the Marcos Sr. era’s legacy of human rights abuses and corruption, and raises questions about accountability, democratic values, and the future direction of Philippine politics post-EDSA.

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Category: Post Marcos