Post-War Administration, Marcos Administration and Post-Edsa Administration

CHAPTERS 1-3: Post-war administration, Marcos Administration and post-EDSA administration

Manuel Roxas started his term as the first president of the third republic of the Philippines. During his term he fortified Bell trade act and also the Parity Amendment in the constitution and on 1947 he signed the Military Bases Agreement. But during his time he earned a distrust from people because of graft and corruption issues. Manuel Roxas tried to destroyed the rebel group which is known as Hukbalahap but he only created widespread anger among peasants. But his power didin’t last long, he died on heart attack, on April 15, 1948 while giving his speech at the Clark Air Force base. He died at the age of 56. And He was succeeded by his vice president, Elpidio Quirino. Elpidio Quirino during his term poverty was present. And because of inflation salary of people cannot come across with the expenses of the people. Farmlands were ruined by plagues. Housing is one the problems since war destroyed severel places. Rate of unemployment is really bvious due to the businesses of Americans established in the country. Elpidio Quirino formed the agricultural Coopertives Financing Administration, he created farmers cooperative marketing association and set a new tax policy that increased tariff rates to protect economic industry. And he tried to negotiate with the Huks. But still some problems remain unsolved. During his term widespread of graft and corruption was present. Elpidio Quirino was defeated by Ramon Magsaysay. He was known as “the guy” because many considered him as the president who can act as a common man, a president who has the heart for his people. He even opened Malacañang to the public. Magsaysay. Ramón Magsaysay made a laurel-Langley agreement between the Philippines and the United States approved. He also submits R.A no. 1400 or the Land Reform Act of 1995. Ramon Magsaysay also created establishment and development of cooperatives and credit agencies. Magsaysay was a strong opponent of the Communist-led Huk guerrillas, and he reorganized and strengthened the armed forces in a campaign to crush them. But he died in a plane crash in March 1997 and he was succeeded by Carlos P. Garcia.
The main focus of the Garcia administration was on economic independence from foreign interest. An industrialize, self-sustaining country is what he wanted in his country. And should not depend or rely on the products of foreign companies. Since there’s a great number of exports than imports, it makes the Philippines highly dependent on foreign products. Garcia created the “Filipino First Policy” a law that was passed by Gracia administration to give priority to local over foreign investors. He was known also for his Bohlen-Serrano agreement, law that shortened the original 99 years lease of US bases in the country to 25 years. And also he created the Austerity Program, this programs aims to fix the widespread graft and corruption. But he was criticized by foreign countries for his program the anti-foreign policy. Once you heard these words “Anti-foreign policy” the first man that will come into your mind is the former President Carlo P. Garcia.
Diosdado Macapagal succeeded Carlos P. Garcia.

More than 20 years Ferdinand Marcos ruled the Philippines with a very strong power. He promised to help the country gain and rise from poverty. December 30, 1965 one of the unforgettable date in Philippine History. It was the start of the Presidential term of Ferdinand E. Marcos. In his first term, Marcos tried to strengthen the financial situation of the government and improved agricultural production to be able to provide food, especially the rice. And he ratified the Foreign Relations of the Philippines.
And in the year 1969, he was easily reelected as the Philippine president. The only and first president to win a second term. Marcos administration faced difficulties and challenges on economic, government led to slumping economic growth and criticism spread over the U.S economic position in the Philippines.
For the time being a new constitution replaces the American-authored constitution of 1935, government and opposition political leaders agreed to this. According to this constitution the president is limited to two terms. Marcos declared Martial law on September 21, 1972 specifying the need for national security. Congress disappeared, opposition leaders were arrested and strict censorship imposed. Economic and military aid to the Philippine government were provided by the U.S. and in mid-1980’s happened the severe economic recession due to the continued borrowing and inability to pay the foreign debts. Monopolies were established. Marcos and other associates controlled these monopolies through the system “crony capitalism”. Marcos had a vision of a “Bagong Lipunan (new society). In order to implement this vision he bravely declared martial law. This vision is his dream that poor and privileged will work together for the common aim of society.
Many agreed that During Marcos regime the Philipine economy is at its best and for some it was a nightmare. Marcos regime is one the unforgettable happening in the past. But The 20-year rule of Marcos enden when the people power movement happened in metro manila because of the willingness of Corazon Aquino to free the country from dictatorship. Corazon Aquino took over and became the President of the Philippine Republic after the regime of Marcos. Corazon Aquino restored democracy in the country. He was the first Lady president of the Philippines. New constitution was approved and passed in February 1987. She restored the presidential form of government and the bicameral congress. Her administration strongly emphasized and concern for civil liberties and human rights and have peaceful relationship with the communist and Muslim secessionists. She focused much on the economic policies to bring back the health and confidence on creating market-oriented and socially responsible economy. Her administration faced a series of coup attempts and also experienced natural disasters. Her term didn’t last long, her term ended in 1992 and was succeeded by Fidel V. Ramos
Economical difficulties that arose from the lack of foreign investment was his first he wanted to be solve. During his administration the Philippine took pleasure from the stability of economic growth. He also made peace with Mindanao hostiles. He became an instrument in securing peace with muslims. A strong campaign for nationalism was also present. Because of the old poor power plant and huge demand for electricity, Philippines experienced a frequent brownout. He also created R.A 7638(charter change of the dept. of energy), Republic act 7648 (electric power crisis) to effectively address the electric power crisis in the country. And the first RP-US forces agreement , he also enacted the R.A 8042 also known as the Magna Carta for overseas workers or the Migrant workers act and also the Deregulation and Privatization of Major Industries and he also created Agrarian Reform Program. He persuaded people to be more nationalistic and he was able to constituted foreign relations with many countries that helped Philippine market opened to foreign business. After his term Joseph Estrada succeeded him. There was a trong administration during his administration but in the latter part the admin failed to capitalize the gains of previous admin. Foreign investment declined when he was accused of influencing an investigation in the stock market manipulation. Estrada Administration was known for pro-poor. He made rioritize the development of the economy. But Estrada failed in making the economy survive, during the Asian financial crisis. Unemployment rate was present. But issues and problems occurred in his administration. He was impeached and people demand for his resignation. Many problems occurred, country has been to its ups and downs but through these Presidents the country is able to stand. Some presidents contributed a lot and some failed to reached what they want for this country. Past events is now written in history we should not take it back anymore. What matters most now is that we learned from it and the best thing to do now is to help the leaders of this country and make the Philippines as one of the leading countries not only n Asia but also in other part of the world.