Politics
From The Report: The Philippines 2012
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The Philippines, which was once a diverse mix of sultanates and rajahdoms, was politically unified by the Spanish conquest of the 16th century. Spain ruled until a Filipino rebellion in 1898 ousted them with the support of the US, which subsequently asserted control. The Philippines gained independence after WWII, but dictator Fernando Marcos soon took over, ruling until 1986. Electoral democracy returned after that, but it has been marked by corruption and instability. The new government of Benigno Aquino III – heir to one of the Philippines’ most storied political families – has promised to clean up politics and cut bureaucratic inefficiency.
This section features interviews with President Benigno Aquino III; Florencio Abad, Secretary, Department of Budget and Management; and Surin Pitsuwan, Secretary-General, ASEAN. William Hague, UK Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, provides a viewpoint on UK-ASEAN relations in the 21st century.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Moving forward: The new administration is pushing ahead with development plans and an anti-corruption drive
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After across-the-board elections in 2010, the Philippines entered the second decade of the 21st century with some optimism that the new president and Congress, not to mention a range of new local leaders, would move to tackle a number of tough political challenges facing the country. These challenges include security concerns, corruption issues, and structural economic and political reforms – a difficult agenda for any country to face, especially at a time of global economic downturn. Nearly…

Interview

The new paradigm: OBG talks to President Benigno Aquino III
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Interview: President Benigno Aquino III How is your administration addressing the culture of graft and corruption that many say has characterised the Philippines for years? BENIGNO AQUINO III: The culture of graft and corruption, especially in government, has persisted for so many years because it has been tolerated. Thus, the first step is to show that it will no longer be allowed. The graft cases we have filed against former government officials have been both symbolic and substantive. Making…

Interview

Into the future: OBG talks to Florencio Abad, Secretary, Department of Budget and Management
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Interview:Florencio Abad With limited resources to hand, which areas should the Philippines prioritise in terms of funding? FLORENCIO ABAD: The current administration is targeting substantial investments in social services and programmes to ensure all economic growth is inclusive. We are making an unprecedented investment in basic education, with one of the main goals to close the so-called classroom gap, currently at about 65,000 rooms, by 2014. We believe investment in teachers, classrooms,…

Analysis

Winning the peace: Finding solutions to internal and external security issues
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A central pillar of the national medium-term development plan, Philippine Development Plan 2011-16, is the peace and security section, which outlines the importance to the economy and society of tackling internal and external threats, which include armed conflicts, human trafficking and terrorism. The plan sets out strategies for finding solutions to these difficult issues via a twin-track approach combining a negotiated political settlement on the one hand, and accelerated development to…

Analysis

Parties and personalities: The people, groups and organisations that matter in the political arena
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The political scene in the Philippines has long been dominated by strong personalities, with particular dynasties and families exercising considerable influence over the running of the republic. These personalities and families are usually centred on a local area, the patronage of which provides a long-term support base. They have tended to eclipse parties as the focus of debate and popular mobilisation. There is also a range of associations, groups and other organisations with an important role…

Interview

OBG talks to Ambassador Muhamad Noor, Executive Director, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Secretariat
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Interview:Ambassador Muhamad Noor How can APEC distinguish itself from other regional groupings as a venue for economic cooperation? MUHAMAD NOOR: APEC has some key features that set it apart from other regional groupings. First, note that APEC is a non-rules based forum founded to foster cooperation. APEC operates on the basis of non-binding commitments, consensus and open dialogue. Thus, APEC does not impose any treaty obligations on its members. Commitments by members are voluntary. The…