Introduction
Introduction
Four years after the Philippines' democratic revolution, the country is still plagued with poverty, corruption and $27 billion in foreign debt. Although President Corazon C. Aquino is still personally popular, she is accused of being indecisive and unable to deal effectively not just with the moribund economy, but also with rebellious factions in the military and Communist rebels. Many experts say the Philippines now must chart a course independent of the United States—a move that could affect the outcome of the current negotiations over the future of the U.S. military bases there.