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THE AQUINO
GOVERNMENT
Corazon Aquino inherited a bankrupt
country suffering from Muslim and communist insurgencies. She restored
democracy to the Philippines but failed to solve the economic problems.
It was President Ramos who started reviving the economy. During his
term, the Philippine economy experienced dramatic growth, which was
only slightly affected by the Asian financial crisis. Ramos was
succeeded by Joseph Estrada who, not even half way through his term,
was exposed for corruption and his association in illegal activities.
Impeachment proceedings began but Estrada was eventually acquitted.
Protestors took to the streets, the result being another People Power
Revolution or EDSA II. Vice-President Arroyo was sworn in as the new
president after Estrada stepped down. President Arroyo was re-elected
to a term of her own in 2004 but the result of the election is now in
question after a wiretap recording emerged that Arroyo spoke to a
COMELEC official during the election. Arroyo is accused of cheating in
the election and protests have begun calling for her resignation. A
state of emergency was proclaimed in 2006 after a crushed coup attempt.
During the crisis, the opposition, media and critics condemned the
state of emergency comparing it to martial law under Ferdinand Marcos.
There was criticism of apparently warrantless arrests and oppression of
freedom of speech and the freedom of the press. The state of emergency
was lifted one week later. Despite a presidency marred by coups and
scandal, Arroyo insists on pushing through with amending the 1987
Constitution to switch to a more effective federal-parliamentary style
government.
March 25, 1986: The Freedom Constitution takes effect. This temporary
constitution grants almost absolute powers to the president and
abolished some positions of the 1973 Constitution, such as the position
of prime minister. With this constitution, provincial governors,
municipality and city mayors loyal to Marcos are dismissed and
replaced. Most of the general staff of the armed forces are retired and
500 political prisoners are released.
April 1986: President Aquino issues Proclamation No. 9, creating a
Constitutional Commission to draft a new constitution as provided for
in the Freedom Constitution.
March 26, 1986: Members of the Constitutional Commission are appointed
by President Aquino. They represent all sectors of Philippine society
such as education, labour, agriculture, business and industry, youth,
military women, mass media, cause-oriented groups, cultural minorities
and the religious sector.
June 2, 1986: The Constitution Commission begins session at Quezon
City. Some heated arguments take place concerning the US military
bases, land reform and foreign investment. Some commissioners stage a
walkout in protest of the approval of some economic provisions.
June 13, 1986: The Constitutional Commission completes its task.
July 6, 1986: Arturo Tolentino, vice-president candidate and running
mate of Ferdinand Marcos in the 1986 snap elections, followed by some
Marcos supporters and a hundred or so soldiers barricade themselves
into the Manila Hotel. Tolentino claims that he is the constitutional
acting president while Marcos is in exile. Tolentino expects large
support for his newly established rebel government.
July 8, 1986 After only a few thousand Marcos supporters arrive,
Tolentino agrees to disperse his civilian and military supporters
ending the failed coup.
October 12, 1986: The draft of the new constitution is approved by a
vote of 45 - 2 by the commissioners.
October 15, 1986: The draft of the new constitution is signed by the
commissioners and submitted to President Aquino.
February 2, 1987: The draft of the new 1987 Constitution is submitted
to the people for approval. It is approved by a majority of about 86%
of voters.
February 11, 1987: President Aquino issues Proclamation No. 58
declaring the 1987 Constitution is in effect. The Fifth Republic is
established.
1987: Aquino enters negotiations with the NPA and MNLF. In Hawaii,
Ferdinand Marcos may be making plans to invade the Philippines. The US
authorities learn of this and prohibit Marcos to leave the island.
1987 - 1989: Six attempts to overthrow the Aquino government occur.
This is related to the failure of the Aquino government to address the
economic and social problems of the country.
September 28, 1989: Ferdinand Marcos dies in Hawaii.
1991: Mount Pinatubo erupts. Clark Air Base is extensively damaged and
abandoned. The Philippine Senate refuses to renew the lease to the US
for Subic Naval Base.
May 11, 1992: Presidential elections are held.
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