Presentation Transcript

1. Philippine situation: Issues and challenges

   Prepared by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan Jan 2010
2. HISTORY The Philippines was a colony of Spain, the United States, was placed under Japanish occupation After the granting of nominal independence in 1945, the Philippines became a neo-colony of the US Its economy, politics and culture are dictated upon by foreign interests, principally the US
3. HISTORY The Philippines has a long history of revolutionary struggle 1896 Philippine revolution against Spanish Colonialism Revolutionary struggle against US imperialism Struggle against Japanese occupation during WW 2 Revolutionary struggle 1968 onwards against Imperialism, Feudalism and Bureaucrat Capitalism
4. HISTORY Based on historical circumstances the Philippines is currently semi-feudal and semi-colonial Rulling class – comprador big bourgeoisie and local big landlords Oppressed classes– Peasants, workers, petty bourgeoisie, national bourgeosie Legal mass movement, armed revolutionary movement
5. HISTORY Two “People Power” uprisings, 1986 that ousted the Marcos dictatorship and 2001 that ousted the Estrada regime Arroyo was brought to power in 2001 and served out the remained of Estrada’s term She ran in 2004 and was widely believed to have engaged in massive electoral fraud
6. Our current situation Arroyo has been in power for nearly 9 years Poverty Corruption Repression Puppetry
7. Nine years of Poverty Number of poor 2003: 23.8 M 2006: 27.6 M Tinipon ng Bayan gamit ang NSCB data
8. Nine years of Poverty Tinipon ng Bayan gamit ang NWPC data
9. 1991-1997 1997-2000 2001-2008 1987-1991 Number of Unemployed Tinipon ng Bayan gamit ang POEA data
10. Number of Unemployed Unemployed and underemployed Jan’01: 8.34 M April’09: 15.6 M 269workers loose their jobs daily (2001-2008) Tinipon ng Bayan gamit ang NSO at DOLE data
11. 1991-1997 1997-2000 2001-2008 1987-1991 Migration Tinipon ng Bayan gamit ang POEA data
12. Nine years of poverty Onerous taxes Fo every P10.00 collected, P6.00 goes to foreign debt payments
13. Foreign Debt
14. Legacy of Corruption Tinipon ng Bayan gamit ang media reports
15. Unexplained wealth Declared Net Worth 2001: P67 M 2008: P144 M Does not include undeclared assets, investments etc.
16. Lavish lifestyle August 7, 2009 - THE economic downturn hasn't persuaded everyone to pinch pennies. Philippines President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was at Le Cirque the other night with a large entourage enjoying the good life. Macapagal-Arroyo ordered several bottles of very expensive wine, pushing the dinner tab up to $20,000.
17. Lavish lifestyle PHILIPPINE FEAST FRENZY, PART 2 August 12, 2009 – BEFORE their $20,000 meal at Le Cirque, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and an entourage of about 65 -- complete with food tasters, Secret Service and a kitchen monitor to watch food preparation -- dined at Bobby Van's Steakhouse in DC on July 30. "The party spared no expense, and had lobster, steak and expensive wines," said a source. "They paid their $15,000 bill, including a generous tip, with cash -- which was counted out, unseen, underneath a table by a staff member."
18. Nine years of repression
19. Nine years of repression … activists and critics of the regime have been slapped with trumped- up charges like murder, arson, rebellion etc.
20. Nine years of subservience Support for “US war on terror” Support for invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan Permanent and continuing US troop presence under the Visiting Forces Agreement “Country coordinator” for US relations in ASEAN -- Obama
21. Nine years of subservience Up to 50,000 US troops have entered the country since 2001 Cases of abuses, rape and violations of the Philippine constituion In June 2009, US Defense Sec. Gates announces retention of 600 US Special Forces in Southern Philippines
22. Nine years of subservience Approved the Japan Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement Foreign plunder, liberalization Pushing Charter change, 100% foreign ownership of land
23. Options to stay in power Charter change Martial law Failure of 2010 elections
24. Threat of Martial Law Arroyo declared Martial Lawin Maguindanao province in the aftermath of the Ampatuan Massacre that claimed 57 lives It was the first time Martial Law was used since 1972 Legal and factual bases for declaring Martial Law was questionable
25. Election Fraud Anomalous automation meant to undermine the integrity and credibilty of the national elections Failure of elections is one scenario
26. 2010 Elections Several candidates from the Opposition hoping to replace Arroyo Outright rejection of administration bet
27. 2010 Elections Not likely to bring about fundamental change May bring about replacement of GMA May be an opportunity to advance pro-people reforms, accountability of GMA and her cohorts
28. 2010 Elections Peoples movement has fielded partylist groups and two senatorial bets at the national levels Engagement in local elections too Anti-fraud movement Peoples International Observers Missions
29. 2010 Elections Failure of automation leading to failure of elections Widespread election-related violence Declaration of martial law Corruption and fraud by the incumbent
30. Bigger challenges Mass movement is still the key Anti-imperialist, anti-feudal and anti-fascist struggles Broad United Front to stop Arroyo’s moves to stay in power Electoral arena International solidarity
31. What we are doing Advancing the struggle for national democracy

32. Maraming salamat!

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