Manuel A.

Roxas (1946-1948)

CONDITION OF THE PHILIPPINES

When Manuel Roxas started his term as the first president of the third republic of
the Philippines, the country was paralyzed because World War II just ended.
Commerce was experiencing recession because farms and factories were ruined.
Transportation efficiency was down due to the bombed roads and bridges. Many
people were massacred and towns and cities were burnt down. 80% of the school
buildings were ruined which weakened the educational system. The reconstruction
cost of these buildings reached 126 million pesos. Also, there was an annual deficit
of about 200 million pesos. There was a crime rate hike because some Filipinos
patronized the American gangsters. The reconstruction of the post-war Philippines
fell into the hands of Manuel Roxas.

PRIMARY PROBLEMS
Since the country was severely tarnished by the war, the economy was struggling
because of low output growth and high unemployment rates. Production became
low because farms and factories were ruined. Production of rice, sugar, coconuts,
abaca, coconut oil, cigars, tobacco, gold and chrome, and manganese and lumber
was put to a halt because of the destruction of manufacturing facilities. Because
businesses were closing, there were no more jobs available for people.
Unemployment rates were rising at a fast pace. Education also severely weakened.
School buildings were destroyed and instruments to teach children were obliterated.
In the government sector, there were too many interference by the American
government. Policies done by Roxas were highly influenced by US officials. These
policies mostly benefited the welfare of their country. Because of the existing
Western influences allowed by the former president, the HUKBALAHAP movement
still created immense riot and commotion in the country.

PROMISES DURING THE ELECTIONS AND INAUGURATION

Since the country was devastated by the war, Roxas centralized his promises
around the rehabilitation of the Philippines. Economically, he wants to concentrate

on production. He wants an income from exports to buy machines, hire technically

skilled people, and buy food. He wants to revive the production of rice, sugar,
coconuts, abaca, coconut oil, cigars, tobacco, gold and chrome, and manganese and
lumber. For employment, he wants to give encouragement to Filipinos to participate
in the new economy.

He believes that the foundation stone of national rehabilitation can be achieved by:
Feeding the hungry, healing the sick, caring for widows and orphans, waging war
against inflation and unemployment (by increasing higher wages and production).

Besides asking help from the International Monetary and Rehabilitation Bank, United
Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration for financial aid, he wants
assistance from America. He believes that the United States is the source of most
finances of all these organizations.

A new tenacy law will take effect and usury will be halted. Lands will be purchased
by the Government and resold to tenants; new agricultural areas will be opened to
settlement and modern method of agriculture will be taught. It is his aim to raise
the status of the farm worker, to increase his earnings, to spread wide the benefits
of modern technology. (Roxas, 1946)

LAWS AND PROGRAMS

In 1946, the US congress offered 800 million dollars as rehabilitation money in
exchange for the ratification of the Bell Trade Act. It was passed by the US congress
specifying the condition of the Philippine economy governing the independence of
the Philippines from the Americans. A system of preferential tariffs was
implemented which discouraged government officials to control the countrys
import-export market. The Philippine peso followed the US dollar currency.
Aggravating the Filipino citizens, U.S. citizens and corporations were granted equal
access to the natural resources of the country. Many nationalists were not in favor of
the bell trade act because it was a curtailment of Philippine sovereignty, virtual
nullification of Philippine independence as said by former president Sergio
Osmena.

Roxas supported the acceptance of two important laws passed by the Congress of
the United States to the Philippines. These laws were The Philippine Rehabilitation
Act and the Philippine Trade Act (Bell trade act).
On August 5, 1946, the Treaty of General Relations was ratified between the
Philippines and the US. It recognized Philippine independence as of July 4, 1946 and
relinquished American sovereignty over the Philippine Islands. The establishment of
US bases was also included in this treaty. On March 14, 1947, the Treaty of General
Relations was signed.
On September 7, 1946, Manuel Roxas granted a General Amnesty to guerrillas who
were imprisoned during World War 2. On January 28, 1948, General Amnesty was
given to all those arrested for conniving with Japan. An earlier amnesty hindered
Roxas because of his fear that the Americans might stop rendering financial
assistance to the country.

On January 1, 1947 under the Bell Trade Act, the Parity Amendment was introduced.
It gave American citizens and corporations equal rights to Filipinos to utilize natural
resources and operate public utilities. On March 11, 1947, it was ratified in a
national plebiscite.

BENEFICIARIES OF THE LAWS AND PROGRAMS

The Treaty of General Relations was both beneficial for both countries (America and
Philippines). It is an advantage for the Philippines because their independence was
recognized and the Americans surrendered their rule over the country. When it was
ratified in 1947,
the Military Bases Agreement became advantageous to the Americans because it
allowed them to have US military bases in the country. 23 of those bases were
leased for 99 years which means that they can leave the Philippine soil only by
2045.

General Amnesty was beneficial for the people who were caught conniving with
Japan during World War II. Guerillas and people who served in key positions during
the Japanese occupation may be reinstated in the government like Jose P. Laurel
who was the president during the Japanese occupation.
The Bell trade act (the inclusion of the Parity Amendment in the constitution and the
signing of the 1947 Military Bases Agreement) was dominantly an advantage for the
American citizens and businesses. As mentioned, they were given equal rights as
Filipinos to exploit the countrys natural resources. There was a great interference

by the US government to the management of the economy of the Philippines. Roxas

was highly criticized by nationalists for the ratification for this act.

HOLES AND SHORTCOMINGS OF THE LAWS

Manuel Roxas failed to speculate the consequences of his decisions manipulated by
American government officials. In the Bell Trade Act, conflicting interests were
compromised. Policies under this act, as reiterated were mostly beneficial for
America than for the Philippines. For 800 million dollars, the Philippes resources
could already by exploited by US citizens and business; their economy will also be
closely tied to the United States economy. Roxas did not consider the real cost of
signing this Philippine Trade Act. Although rehabilitation money was important to
revive the country, the preservation of whats left in the country was more vital to
the Filipinos. The Military Bases Agreement was also one of the flawed policies
because it gave the Americans military control in the Philippines. Because of this,
there is still no absolute freedom for the Filipinos. The country was again put at
stake because of his reckless westernized decisions. Although his policies were
made to remedy the countrys post war state, there were motives and controversies
surrounding his decisions.

ISSUES AND CONTROVERSIES

Although Roxas was successful in his objective to obtain rehabilitation funds from
America to repair what has been destroyed in the Philippines, he was still criticized
for his subjective decisions concerning policies implemented in the country.

One criticism in Roxas administration is his camaraderie with the Americans. He

was too close to them to the point that he allowed US military bases in the country
(23 were leased for 99 years), permitted trade restrictions for Filipinos, and gave
special privileges for US property owners and investors.

Graft and corruption did not stop in the government. Scandals such as the surplus
war property scandal, school supplies scandal and Chinese immigration scandals
emerged during his time.

Roxas attempts to destroy the HUKBALAHAP created a negative notion to the

masses. The people believed that he was not able to manage the HUKS and failed to
halt the movement.

The citizens felt that he surrendered the countrys freedom to the Americans
because of the revisions in the Philippine constitution. The new law gave parity
rights to the Americans in exchange for rehabilitation money to fix the country.
People were aggravated because most of his policies were dictated by General Mac
Arthur and Commissioner Paul McNutt.
People were infuriated at Roxas to the point that there were plans of assassinating
him. Fortunately for the former president, he escaped an attempted murder by a
Tondo barber, Julio Guillen, who threw a grenade on the platform at Plaza Miranda
after the President addressed the rally of citizens.

SUMMARY OF GOVERNANCE
When Manuel Roxas started his term as the first president of the third republic, he
was left with the post-war state of Philippines. Production decreased, education
diminished, unemployment rate increased, interference from America heightened,
and the HUKBALAHAP movement intensified. Since this was the state of the country,
his inauguration speech centralized on the rehabilitation of the country. In exchange
for 800 million dollars of rehabilitation money, the Bell Trade Act or the Philippine
Trade Act was signed. Along with that policy, others like the General Amnesty and
Military Bases Agreement was implemented. Most policies were manipulated by
American government officials who made the policies more beneficial to the
American citizens. Issues like the Bell Trade Act were highly criticized by people
because it allowed Americans to exploit the Philippines natural resources. The
countrymen felt bought because that right should have been exclusive to Filipino
citizens. The Military Bases Agreement further angered the people because it
allowed the American military to have their leased bases in the Philippines till year
2045. Roxas had a hard time managing people who did not agree with his policies.
People attempted to murder him, but fortunately for him, he was able to escape
death.

GRADE (DLSU SYSTEM)

If I were to give him a grade, I would give him a 1. I only gave him passing mark
because although he was able to obtain rehabilitation money to repair the country,
the welfare and the nationalism of the country and the countrymen were
jeopardized. He was highly influenced by the American government and failed to
see the consequences of agreements he made (like the Bell Trade Act). He allowed
the exploitation of resources and the establishment of military bases until 2045
which is highly absurd. Behind his great caliber is a puppet controlled by the
American government. He depended too much on the aid of the United States.
Ulterior motives involving policies were grave during his administration.

Elpidio R. Quirino (1948-1953)

CONDITION OF THE PHILIPPINES

When President Manuel Roxas died on April 15, 1948, Quirino succeeded him as
president of the republic. For his weakness in tolerating rampant graft and
corruption in his party, permitting immorality in the armed forces, and neglecting
the impoverished plight of the majority of Filipinos, he was very unpopular, and in
1953 he was defeated by Ramon Magsaysay.

After the war, Quirino was elected vice-president in 1946 election, consequently the
second and last for the Commonwealth and first for the third republic. After the
death of the incumbent president Manuel Roxas in 1948, he succeeded the
presidency. In what was claimed to be a dishonest and fraudulent 1949 presidential
election, he won the presidents office under Liberal Party ticket, defeating

Nacionalista vie and former president Jos P. Laurel as well as fellow Liberalista and
former senate president Jos Avelino.

PRIMARY PROBLEMS
Poverty was present specifically by the starvation problems of the people in the
Mountain Province. Wages of people cannot compensate with the expenses of th
people and the prices of the products due to inflation. Famrlands were also
disturbed by locusts and plagues of rats which render crops and was useless for the
farmers. Housing was a huge problem since the war destroyed several sites in the
rural areas which cannot be renovated for future use. Unemployment was also
evident because the Americans were gradually decreasing their business in the
Philippines.

PROMISES DURING THE ELECTIONS AND INAUGURATION

Quirino promised that he will help in rebuilding, repairing and replacing the existing
system in the country since it was after the war and everything was back to step
one. He promised to solve the unemployment problems that were eminent then. He
also intends to increase the wages of the people so as people can purchase and not
just produce so as to decrease the inflation rate. Quirino would see to it that prices
will be controlled in the market and there will be no overpricing on products. His
administration will prioritize on the industrializing the country and using the talents
and abilities of the citizens for the development of the Philippines.

LAWS AND PROGRAMS

Because the Philippines was still undergoing postwar reconstruction, Quirino
focused on two main objectives. His first objective was to fix the economy of his
administration. To achieve this goal, he established PACSA (Presidents Action
Committee on Social Amelioration), ACCFA (Agricultural Credit Cooperatives
Financing Administration), Labor Management Advisory Board, and the Rural Banks
of the Philippines. These were made to alleviate the sufferings of poor families, help
the farmers market their products, advice him on matters concerning labor, and
facilitate utilities in rural areas respectively. His second objective was to restore the

faith and confidence of the people in the government body of the Philippines. To do
this, he revived former president Quezons fireside chats which updated the
people about the government via live radio broadcast from the Malacanang palace.

Contrasting to the treatment towards HUKBALAHAP members during Roxas

administration, he vindicated them during his term. He granted amnesty to them on
June 21, 1948.
Besides concluding peace with Japan, Quirino did many achievements during his
term. Industrial ventures heightened, irrigation improved, and the road system
developed. He also set up the Central Bank and Rural banking.

BENEFICIARIES OF THE LAWS AND PROGRAMS

Many people were benefited by his programs and policies. PACSA was beneficial for
financially challenged families; ACCFA aided farmers in selling what they harvested;
Labor Management Advisory Board guided him on matters regarding labor; Rural
Banks helped countrymen in the rural areas manage their finances; Fireside chats
updated Filipinos about operations in the government; and Amnesty granting to the
HUKBALAHAP members was beneficial for them because they were finally liberated
from consequences resulting from their actions against the government.

HOLES AND SHORTCOMINGS OF THE LAWS

Problems were still faced in the implementation in some of his programs or policies.
One of which is the granting of amnesty to HUKBALAHAP members. Despite the
liberation of the HUKS, terrorism was still soaring. The disparity between the
military and the HUKS was still not settled. Besides his lack of skill in settling major
disputes in the country, his failure to recognize poverty problems was also critiqued.
Although he tapped the need to increase loan appeal from the Americans and
established controls to protect local industries, he was not able to implement
agrarian reforms.

ISSUES AND CONTROVERSIES

Quirinos administration was bombarded with controversies. The major controversy

surrounding his governance was his bid for a second term in office in 1949. Next to
the elections in 1969 (wherein Ferdinand Marcos won as president), the elections
wherein Quirino won was believed to be the most corrupt. He was also the first
president to undergo an impeachment trial because he allegedly purchased a very
expensive Golden Orinola using government money. Along with these controversies,
Quirino was also critiqued for permitting immorality in the armed forces, neglecting
the problems of the masses, and involving himself to the American government
which made him compliant to international economies. Because of these flaws,
Ramon Magsaysay reigned in the next national elections.

SUMMARY OF GOVERNANCE
When Quirinos administration started, postwar reconstruction was still undergoing
and the HUKS were still creating riot in the country. The economy was fluctuating
because of the rise in the unemployment rate and inflation; and problems regarding
housing, education, poverty and farmland intensified. To solve the problems in the
country, he promised to repair the existing system. He also plans to control the
prices and make producers consumers too. PACSA, ACCFA, Labor Management
Advisory Board, Rural Banks, Fireside chats, and HUKBALAHAP amnesty were the
programs/policies he established during his administration. Unfortunate families,
farmers, his administration, HUKBALAHAP members, and the general public were
benefited from this. Problems like the uprising of the HUKS still resumed during his
time despite the amnesty. He was also not able to remedy the problems of the
masses. Controversies like cheating in the elections and using government money
to purchase a Golden Orinola made the people despise his administration.

GRADE (DLSU SYSTEM)

Quirinos grade will be 1 because although he implemented many programs and
policies to recover the Philippines from its post-war condition, it was not enough to
cover his flaws. He was a corrupt president and he was also closely tied with the
American government. He tarnished the presidential history because he was the
first president to undergo an impeachment trial.

Carlos P. Garcia (1957-1961)

CONDITION OF THE PHILIPPINES

The Philippines agreed to numerous conditions set by the United States as a
requirement for the Philippines to receive war reconstruction assistance.

The flow of imports had greatly increased making the Philippines heavily dependent
of imported products. Imports coming from the United States were also allowed to
enter the country without tariffs, the Philippines also promised not to change its
exchange rate from $1 is to P2.

The condition of the Philippines before the administration of Garcia was the
Philippines is just recovering from the after effects of World War 2, with this the
Philippines experienced several economic challenges.

PRIMARY PROBLEMS
The main problem that was facing the Garcia administration was the current
economic situation during that time. Corruption was also prevalent in the country
since he had just inherited the Magsaysay administration. Several cases of
corruption were found within the government offices during his administration.

The imports that were coming in the country greatly outnumbered the exports that
we were shipping out of the country, making the Philippines highly dependent on
foreign products that required dollars to purchase.

PROMISES DURING THE ELECTIONS AND INAUGURATION

reorienting our national economic policies toward doing first things first

must first produce here, by and for ourselves, enough to provide for the
fundamental needs of life food, shelter and clothing

step up the tempo of establishing the agricultural industries to utilize with the
least delay the abundant natural resources

to generate here the machinery for the entire Philippine agro-industrial

structure

The Government will continue its low-cost housing projects and its land
redistribution and resettlement program

we shall pursue our health development activities especially in the barrios

and other rural areas

The education of our youth should henceforth lay emphasis on science,

industrial, and agricultural technology.

Together with the increasing material abundance, we need to strengthen our

moral fiber

LAWS AND PROGRAMS

Filipino First Policy

This is the law that was passed by the Garcia administration, to give local
businessmen more priority over foreign investors. The government sector would
help local businessmen are entering industry that was filled with foreign
competitors and give them aid and sometimes financial assistance. Products of
Filipino businessmen were also preferred over foreign products.

BohlenSerrano Agreement
The Bohlen-Serrano Agreement was the law that shortened the original 99 year
lease of US bases here in the Philippines to 25 years, the agreement was renewable
for periods only up to 5 years.

Austerity Program

The Austerity Program was implemented by Garcia in order to curt the rampant
graft and corruption within the country. The program centered on wise spending,
industry, thrift, trustworthiness, integrity and honesty. He also urged people to avoid
luxury items and to live a simple life and reminded government officials and
employees corruption destroys the peoples trust in the government.

Republic Cultural Awards

The Garcia administration also put emphasis on cultural revival, due to the
colonization of many countries he felt that the revival of the Filipino culture was
needed. The award was given to Filipino artists, scientist, historians and writers.

BENEFICIARIES OF THE LAWS AND PROGRAMS

Filipino First Policy

The people that benefitted from this policy are the businessmen of the Philippines,
they had an increase support and protection from the government. This enabled
them to help improve our economy at that time. Foreign investors were not totally
ignored they could still participate in investing in businesses in the country but
there should be a 60-40 ratio of ownership within the business.

Austerity Program
The austerity program benefited the common Filipino and the Garcia administration,
because of the implementation of this program the government was able to regain
some of the trust that they lost due to the rampant corruption in the country. While
the Filipinos were able to once again trust the government.

Republic Cultural Awards

Filipino artist could now get the recognition for their works that were left ignored.
The main focus of the society at the time was improving the economy.

HOLES AND SHORTCOMINGS OF THE LAWS

Filipino First Policy

The policy centered on the economic progress that the masa was not affected at
all by this. This led to much criticism about his concern for the common Filipino.

Austerity Program
Even though the Austerity Program was launched in order to help eliminate the
corruption within the government. The result was very unsuccessful since the
problem carried over to the next administration.

ISSUES AND CONTROVERSIES

Garcia was criticized by foreign countries, especially the United States for his antiforeign policies. There was also corruption withing the Bureau of Internal Revenue in
which he had the implement the Austerity Program.

SUMMARY OF GOVERNANCE
The focus of the Garcia administration focused on economic independence from
foreign interest. Garcia wanted the Philippines to be an industrialized, self
sustaining country that would not have to heavily rely on the products of foreign
companies.

Garcia also tried implanting his Austerity Program in hopes of eliminating corruption
in his administration all the while bolstering moral fiber to the government leaders
and employees.

At the end of his term Garcia was criticized for his lack of program for the Filipino
common man which was the focus of the next president Macapagal that is why he
lost the election to him.

GRADE (DLSU SYSTEM)

We gave President Carlos Garcia a 3.5 because we believe that he was able to
accomplish something most of the presidents failed to do. He helped the Philippines
rise from being a victim of war to a self-sustaining country that was considered one
of the richest countries during his time.

During his administration the Philippines was one of the innovators of South East
Asia. He promoted the reliance of our own product and at the same time promoted
our products in the global competition. He also had the Austerity Program even
though it failed. It still showed how much he really wanted to improve the lives of
the Filipinos.

Diosdado P. Macapagal (1961-1965)

CONDITION OF THE PHILIPPINES

There were many uprisings against the Aquino administration

There was a widespread of poverty

Graft and corruption throughout the country

Continues to undergo the economic controls that had been in operation since 1948

PRIMARY PROBLEMS

Low living standards of the masses

Lack of economic stability

Unemployment

Devaluation of the Philippine Peso

Foreigners could now buy and control more local businesses easily because of the
exchange rate. They were richer than the Philippines.

Revocation of 350 midnight appointments

Garcia appointed 350 people into certain positions before he stepped down as
president (A few hours before) Most controversial position was the central bank
governor. This act was against the Saligang Batas; However, the supreme court still
had the final authority/say.

PROMISES DURING THE ELECTIONS AND INAUGURATION

Macapagal promised a program for the socio-economic aspect of society wherein
hed return free and private enterprises wherein economic developments would be
placed in the hands of private entrepreneurs wherein the government would have
minimal control over.

He declared that he would be the president of both the rich and the poor. He
promises to erase that line between the wealthy and the unfortunate. Mostly by
elevating the poors status to have a more copious life.
I shall be president not only of the rich but more so of the poor. We must help
bridge the wide gap between the poor man and the man of wealth, not by pulling
down the rich to his level as Communism desires, but by raising the poor towards
the more abundant life.

The Malacanang Palace is to be opened to the public.

Restoration of morality to the public by alleviating the stature of the masses.

Promised to end corruption, and establish anti-terrorism.

LAWS AND PROGRAMS

Opened Malacanang to the Public; however it didnt last long because people
started to only loft around.

Dismissed Corruption in the government when the official couldnt justify his sudden
acquisition of wealth.

Changed the Date of the Philippine Independence from June 12 to July 4.

Agricultural Land Reform Code of 1963

Abolished share tendency on rice and corn farmlands and establishment of a
leasehold system where farmers would pay rentals to landlords instead of harvests.

BENEFICIARIES OF THE LAWS AND PROGRAMS

Corrupt Congressmen and Businessmen
Stonehill

HOLES AND SHORTCOMINGS OF THE LAWS

He prevented his government from tracking down the sources of corruption by

firing the officers alleged with corruption and deporting Stonehill. This way, he got
in the way of one of his promises.

He failed to solve major social and economical problems.

Macapagal wasnt able to effectively maximize the programs for the people to
alleviate poverty

ISSUES AND CONTROVERSIES

Graft and Corruption (Stonehill Scandal)

Rise in Consumer Goods Prices

Peace and Order Issues

Macapagals privileged subjects in congress and business paraded their lavish

wealth in conspicuous parties and anomalous deals.

SUMMARY OF GOVERNANCE
Diosdado Macapagal was chosen by the people of the Philippines to be their
president in 1961 and his term ended in 1965. Considered to be incorruptible by
most during the time, he may have served as an inspiration to his people. Thats
why he included the need for the country to have a good grasp of good morals and
ethics. He also wanted to end corruption, poverty, homelessness, and other various
problems that plagued the common man. During his entire term however, none of
what he promised or wanted was really achieved. This makes him look quite bad as
a leader of the country contrary to what he was supposed to be seen as. Hes the
type of person whos more on talk rather than action. The devaluation of the
Philippine Peso started during his term which makes him, in the eyes of some, the
root of a lot of todays problems in the country. Other than that, he returned free

trade and free enterprise to the country which crushed local goods and businesses
which continue to suffer up to today. When it came to his promises to the common
man, the farmers in particular, he was unable to keep his them during his term. He
was unable to give them the land they needed because aside from having no
specific time table as to when they were to receive the land, the government didnt
have the money to purchase the land from the hacienderos which was to be
distributed to the farmers in the first place. Basically, he made really good speeches
and the country didnt die when he was in power but he wasnt able to do
anything great that problems were removed. If common people today are asked
about what he did, the answer may be as extreme as Nothing! or funny as He
fathered a dwarf! Diosdado probably wasnt a bad man and may actually be
incorruptible despite the issues. Unfortunately, his term and his leadership are
now seen as either unproductive to the country or were the root causes the still
continuing fall of the Philippine economy today. That is why he is rated just high
enough to pass but not high enough to be considered a good president.

GRADE (DLSU SYSTEM)

He deserves a grade of 1.0 because he didnt achieve any of his promises during his
term but the country didnt go into a state of despair.

Ferdinand Edralin Marcos (1965-1986)

CONDITION OF THE PHILIPPINES

There was a decrease of freedom and democracy during the second term of
Ferdinand Marcos.

Because of the developments (economically, industrially, and infrastructures)

Marcos accomplished, there was a massive increase in tourism rates.

The Marcoses established good relations with world leaders, therefore bringing the
Philippines image to higher grounds. Foreign relations brought foreign investments
in and made the economy boom. During this time, the ratio of the peso to a dollar is
1:1. However, the economy took a downturn during his second term and the prices
of the market increased.

Corruption allegations against the government and peoples oppositions to the laws
and dictatorship of Marcos brought about uprisings and reformation movements
to oust the president (PP1)

There was an increase in job opportunities but it declined eventually. In relation to

this, huge economic accelerations from OFW remittances were occurring. But
declined after the Aquinos killing controversy.

The inflation rate was high and critics claim it was because of overspending the
1969 budget.

PRIMARY PROBLEMS
Unemployment
Destabilized Economy
Rampant Corruption in the Government and abuse of authority and power
Increased crime rates (before martial law) due to poverty

PROMISES DURING THE ELECTIONS AND INAUGURATION

Reformation of International and Domestic Policies (Political, Social,

Economical, and Legal Systems)

Renovation of Roads, Buildings, Public Works and other Infrastructures

Fix the judiciary systems of the Philippines


Diminish, prevent, and attack the problem of the government regarding
corruption

Make the Philippines rise to greatness once more

This nation can be great again. This I have said over and over. It is my articles of
faith, and Divine Providence has willed that you and I can now translate this faith
into deeds.

Economic Development and Good Government

LAWS AND PROGRAMS

Martial Law
Martial Law was declared by Marcos to suppress the increasing civil discord and the
threats of communist conquest. The declaration was initially granted by some
sectors bit it eventually became unpopular to the people and the masses because of
the human rights abuses by the military.

Decentralization Act
Investment Incentives Act of 1967

BENEFICIARIES OF THE LAWS AND PROGRAMS

During his first term Marcos focused on developing infrastructure, the development
of the North Luzon Expressway benefitted the Filipino common man. Marcos also
had livelihood programs for LGUs to help make their communities more
economically developed. The implementation of Martial Law turned to out to be
beneficiary to the Philippines during the first year of implementation to till the 80s
the countries GNP increased from P55 billion to P193 billion, this however came at
the expense of the Filipinos who lost their sense of democracy during Martial Law.
HOLES AND SHORTCOMINGS OF THE LAWS The policies implemented were not
structured and formulated to resolve the problems on poverty.

In his earlier term, good governance was present. However, upon entry of his wife,
Imelda, corruption started to surface.

An increase in the population of people included below the poverty line.

ISSUES AND CONTROVERSIES

Marcos Ill-gotten wealth
Declaration of Martial Law
Assassination of Benigno Aquino

SUMMARY OF GOVERNANCE
During his first term Marcos focused on developing the countrys infrastructure,
economy and the agriculture industry. Marcos helped the Philippines reach
economic prosperity during the first few years of his terms, also putting up a lot of
schools; he put up more schools than all of the previous presidents combined.

Constant threats to the Marcos administration led him to the implementation of

Martial Law. The whole country was put under the militarys control. It was well
received during the first year as crime rates all over the Philippines dropped and
given the social turmoil in the Philippines at the time it was deemed necessary. But
after nine years, the military took more excessive actions. Military units were in
control of domestic air flights, all incoming calls in the Philippines were not allowed
and even stricter curfews were implemented.

The downfall of his administration came when Benigno Aquino was assassinated this
fueled even more activist to go into rallies to fight against his administration. In
1986 Marcos held a snap election in order to stop rumors that his government was
being overthrown. Ultimately he was driven out of the country with People Power.

GRADE (DLSU SYSTEM)

2.5

Marcos aimed to establish the Philippines in the foreign context. He further built
foreign relations with world royalties and powers and he succeeded in this endeavor.
During his reign, he had hoped to establish the Philippine culture and make the
country known as a civilized society as opposed to what other first world nations
had thought of prior. He encouraged tourism, economic growth, foreign recognition,
and discipline, which he was able to attain during his first term. However a sharp
downfall came during his later years in the presidency. He declared martial law
which started a chaotic nation under his dictatorship and tyranny. Because of his
good start and accomplishments that we can say helped develop the good parts
of today; but, we cannot neglect the lack of leadership in the last few years of his
term and the unanswered questions regarding the controversies plus the
shortcomings of his presidency.