FULL REPORT

Can Democracy Survive in the Philippines?	August 10, 1990

Report Outline
Special Focus

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.

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Overview

By the time Philippine President Corazon C. Aquino visited Washington in September 1986, the United States had been consumed by the same euphoria that had swept her homeland seven months earlier. America's closest Asian ally—and former colony—had cast off years of despotic and corrupt rule by ousting Ferdinand E. Marcos. And Americans, via the wonders of instantaneous, worldwide communication, had watched as the diminutive, former housewife dressed in yellow rallied her countrymen during the dramatic final days of the Marcos regime.

Aquino quickly became America's darling, as was evident the morning of Sept. 18 when Aquino addressed a packed, joint session of Congress. Members of Congress, diplomats, Cabinet members and even journalists were wearing suits, dresses, ties and handkerchiefs bearing Aquino's trademark yellow. House Majority Leader Jim Wright, D-Texas, ordered that 200 yellow roses line the approach to the dais where the Philippine president would speak.

ISSUE TRACKER for Related Reports

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