Derrick A. Calla BSA - 1 Emilio Aguinaldo 1899-1901

Manuel L. Quezon, 1935-1944

José P. Laurel, 1943-1945 Sergio Osmeña, 1944-1946 Manuel Roxas, 1946-1948

Contributions and Achievements:-first (and only) president of the First Republic (Malolo Republic)-signed the Pact of Biak-na-Bato, creating a truce between the Spanish and Philippine revolutionaries-known as the President of the Revolutionary Government-led the Philippines in the Spanish-Philippine War and the American-Philippine War-youngest president, taking office at age 28-longest-lived president, passing away at 94

After 34 years of Insular Government under American rule, Philippine voters elected Manuel Luis Quezon first president of the Commonwealth of the Philippines. He is known as the “Father of National Language” (Ama ng Wikang Pambansa). He died of tuberculosis in Saranac Lake, New York.Contributions and Achievements:-first Senate president elected as President of the Philippines-first president elected through a national election-first president under the Commonwealthcreated National Council of Education-initiated women’s suffrage in the Philippines during the Commonwealth-approved Tagalog/Filipino as the national language of the Philippines-appears on the twenty-peso bill

José P. Laurel's presidency is controversial. He was officially the government's caretaker during the Japanese occupation of World War II. Criticized as a traitor by some, his indictment for treason was superseded later by an amnesty proclamation in 1948.Contributions and Achievements:-since the early 1960s, Laurel considered a legitimate president of the Philippines-organized KALIBAPI (Kapisanan sa Paglilingkod sa Bagong Pilipinas, or Association for Service to the New Philippines), a provisional government during Japanese occupation-declared Martial Law and war between the Philippines and the U.S./United Kingdom in 1944-with his family, established the Lyceum of the Philippines

Sergio Osmeña was the second president of the Commonwealth. During his presidency, the Philippines joined the International Monetary Fund.Contributions and Achievements:-became president at 65, making him the oldest person to hold office-first Visayan to become president-joined with U.S. Gen. Douglas McArthur in Leyte on October 20, 1944 to begin restoration of Philippine freedom after Japanese occupation-Philippine National Bank was rehabilitated and the country joined the International Monetary Fund during his presidency-Bell Trade Act was approved by the U.S. Congress during his presidency-appears on the 50-peso bill

Manuel Roxas was the fifth president of the Philippines: the third (and last) president under the Commonwealth, and the first president of the Third Republic of the Philippines. He held office for only one year, 10 months, and 18 days.Contributions and Achievements:-inaugurated as the first president of the new Republic after World War II-reconstruction from war damage and life without foreign rule began during his presidency-under his term, the Philippine Rehabilitation Act and Philippine Trade Act laws were accepted by Congress-appears on the 100-peso bill

-a province, a city, a bridge and a university in Manila are named after him-his body lies within the special monument on Quezon Memorial Circle

Elpidio Quirino, 1948-1953 Ramon Magsaysay, 1953-1957

Carlos P. Garcia, 1957-1961 Diosdado Macapagal, 1961-1965

Ferdinand Marcos, 1965-1886

Elpidio Quirino served as vice president under Manuel Roxas. When Roxas died in 1948, Quirino became president.Contributions and Achievements:-Hukbalahap guerrilla movement active during his presidency-created Social Security Commission-created Integrity Board to monitor graft and corruption-Quezon City became capital of the Philippines in 1948

Ramon Magsaysay was born in Iba, Zambales. He was a military governor and an engineer. He died in an aircraft disaster while boarding the presidential plane.Contributions and Achievements:-Hukbalahap movement quelled during his presidency-chairman of the Committee on Guerilla Affairs-first president sworn into office wearing Barong Tagalog during inauguration-presidency referred to as the Philippines' "Golden Years" for its lack of corruption-Philippines was ranked second in Asia’s clean and well-governed countries during his presidency-established National Resettlement and Rehabilitation Administration (NARRA) among other agrarian reforms

A lawyer, poet, and teacher, Carlos P. Garcia also served as a guerilla leader during the Pacific War. Born in Bohol, Garcia serviced as vice president under Ramon Magsaysay and as secretary of Foreign Affairs for four years. He became president when Magsaysay died in 1957.Contributions and Achievements:-known for “Filipino First Policy,” which favored Filipino businesses over foreign investors-established the Austerity Program focusing on Filipino trade and commerce-known as the “Prince of Visayan Poets” and the “Bard from Bohol”-cultural arts was revived during his term-was the first president to have his remains buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani

Born in Lubao, Pampanga, Diosdado Macapagal was a lawyer and professor. His daughter Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was the 14th, and second female, president of the Philippines.Contributions and Achievements:-established the first Land Reform Law, allowing for the purchase of private farmland to be distributed in inexpensive, small lots to the landless-placed the Philippine peso on the currency exchange market-declared June 12, 1898 to be Philippines’ Independence Day-signed the Minimum Wage Law (P 4.00)-created the Philippine Veteran’s Bank

Born in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, Ferdinand Edralin Marcos was a lawyer and Senate President for three years. He was president for 21 years. He ruled under martial law and his dictatorship was known for its corruption and brutality. Marcos was removed from office after the People Power Revolution.Contributions and Achievements:-first president to win a second term-declared Martial Law on Sept. 22, 1972-increased the size of Philippine military and armed forces-by 1980 the Philippine GNP was four times greater than 1972-by 1986 the Philippines was one of the most indebted countries in Asia-built more schools, roads, bridges, hospitals, and other infrastructure than all former presidents combined-the only president whose remains are interred inside a

refrigerated crypt

Corazon Aquino, 1986-1992 Fidel V. Ramos, 1992-1998 Joseph Estrada, 1998-2001 Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, 2001-2010

Benigno Aquino III, 2010-present

The first woman president of the Philippines and the first woman to become president of an Asian country, Corazon Aquino was born in Paniqui, Tarlac. She was a prominent figure in the People Power Revolution that brought down Ferdinand Marcos' dictatorship. Her husband, Benigno Aquino Jr., was a senator during the Marcos regime and its strongest critic. He was assassinated while Marcos was still in power.Contributions and Achievements:-first woman to be president of the Philippines or any Asian country-restored democracy-abolished the 1973 Marcos Constitution and ushered in the new Constitution of the Philippines-reorganized the structure of the executive branch of government-signed the Family Code of 1987, a major civil law reform, and 1191 Local Government Code, which reorganized the

Fidel V. Ramos was the chief-of-staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines before he became president. He was also a civil engineer. As president, he restored economic growth and stability in the country, even during the Asian Financial Crisis in 1997. He is the first, and so far the only, non-Catholic president of the Philippines.Contributions and Achievements:-oversaw Philippine economic growth-presided over celebrations of Philippine Independence Centennial in 1998-received British Knighthood from the United Kingdom by Queen Elizabeth II (Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St. Michael and St. George)-hosted the fourth Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Leader's Summit in the Philippines in 1996-Philippine Stock Exchange became an international favorite during his presidency-death penalty reinstated

Known as Erap, Joseph Estrada was the first president who had been a famous film actor. His presidency was controversial. During his years in office economic growth was slow and he faced impeachment proceedings. He was ousted from the presidency in 2001. He was later convicted of stealing from the government but was pardoned. He ran unsuccessfully for president in 2010.Contributions and Achievements:-during his presidency Moro Islamic Liberation Front headquarters and camps were captured

-joined other leaders and politicians to try to amend the 1987 Constitution-cited as one of the Three Outstanding Senators in 1989

-among the “Magnificent 12” who voted to terminate the agreement that allows for U.S. control of Clark Airbase and Subic Naval Base

Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was the 14th, president of the Philippines (and the second female president). The Oakwood Mutiny occurred during her term. Arroyo oversaw road and infrastructure improvements and higher economic growth that presidents before her, but there was also controversy. The so-called "Hello Garci" controversy involved recordings that allegedly captured Arroyo ordering the rigging of the election that put her in office. In 2005 Arroyo faced impeachment proceedings related to the recordings but the impeachment failed. After she had left office Arroyo faced additional charges of election fraud and misuse of state funds.Contributions and Achievements:-second female president of the country-first and only female vice-president of the Philippines so far

Benigno Aquino III joined the House of Representatives and the Senate before his presidency. He is the first president who is a bachelor; he is unmarried and has no children.Contributions and Achievements:-created the no "wang-wang" (street siren) policy-appointed statesman Jesse Robredo to serve as secretary of Interior and Local Government in 2010, where Robredo served until his death in 2012-initiated K-12 education in the Philippines-renamed the Office of the Press Secretary to Presidential Communications Operations Office and appointed new officers-suspended allowances and bonuses to Government Owed and Controlled Corporation and Government Financial Institution board members-oversaw 7.1% growth of the Philippine economy in 2012

structure of the executive branch of government-initiated charitable and social activities helping the poor and the needy-named “Woman of the Year” in 1986 by Time magazine-on the new 500-peso bill together with her husband Benigno AquinoReceived honors and awards including: 100 Women Who

Shaped World History 20 Most Influential

Asians of the 20th Century

65 Great Asian Heroes J. William Fulbright

Prize for International Understanding

while he was in office-signed peace agreement with the rebel Moro National Liberation Front

-first president to take oath outside Luzon-former Economics professor at the Ateneo de Manila University, where current president Benigno Aquino III was one of her students-ex-classmate of former U.S. President Bill Clinton at Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service, where she maintained Dean’s list status-oversaw higher economic growth than the past three presidents before her-peso became the best-performing currency of the year in Asia in 2007-eVAT Law was implemented under her term-currently on the 200-peso bill

Definition of TermsLyceum of the Philippines University

The Lyceum of the Philippines University-Manila is an institute of higher education located in Intramuros in the City of Manila, Philippines. It was founded in 1952 by Dr. José P. Laurel, who became the third president of the Philippines.

Austerity Program a program of economic controls aimed at reducing current consumption so as to improve the national economy especially by increased exports

Commonwealth The Commonwealth of the Philippines (Tagalog: Komonwelt ng Pilipinas; Spanish: Mancomunidad de Filipinas)[1] was the

administrative body that governed the Philippines from 1935 to 1946, aside from a period of exile in the Second World War from

1942 to 1945 when Japan occupied the country. It replaced the Insular Government, a United States territorial government, and

was established by the Tydings–McDuffie Act. The Commonwealth was designed as a transitional administration in preparation

for the country's full achievement of independence.[10]

During its more than a decade of existence, the Commonwealth had a strong executive and a Supreme Court. Its legislature,

dominated by the Nacionalista Party, was at first unicameral, but later bicameral. In 1937, the government selected Tagalog–

the language of Manila and its surrounding provinces–as the basis of the national language, although it would be many years

before its usage became general. Women's suffrage was adopted and the economy recovered to its pre-Depression level

before the Japanese occupation in 1942.

The Commonwealth government went into exile from 1942 to 1945, when the Philippines was under Japanese occupation. In

1946, the Commonwealth ended and the Philippines reclaimed full sovereignty as provided for in Article XVIII of the 1935   Bell Trade Act The Bell Trade Act of 1946, also known as the Philippine Trade Act, was an act passed by the United States Congress specifying the

economic conditions governing the independence of the Philippines from the United States.[1][2] The United States Congress offered $800

million for post World War II rebuilding funds if the Bell Trade Act was ratified by Philippine legislature, which duly approved the measure on

July 2, two days before independence from the United States of America.

Authored by Missouri Congressman C. Jasper Bell, the Bell Trade Act linked the Philippine economy to the United States economy in several

ways:

A system of preferential tariffs was established, undermining control over imports and exports by the Philippine government;

The Philippine currency, the peso, was pegged to the US dollar;

The Philippine government was obligated not to place restrictions on currency transfers from the Philippines to the United States;

a "parity" clause granted U.S. citizens and corporations equal access with Philippine citizens to Philippine minerals, forests and other natural

resources, despite provisions in the Philippine constitution (1935) to the contrary which the act required to be amended.[3]

Filipino nationalists denounced the Bell Trade Act. Even the reliably pro-American Philippine President Sergio Osmeña called it a "curtailment

of Philippine sovereignty, virtual nullification of Philippine independence." In 1955, nine years after passage of the Bell Trade Act, a revised

United States–Philippine Trade Agreement (the Laurel–Langley Agreement) was negotiated to replace it.[3] This treaty abolished the United

States authority to control the exchange rate of the peso, made parity privileges reciprocal, extended the sugar quota, and extended the time

period for the reduction of other quotas and for the progressive application of tariffs on Philippine goods exported to the United States.

Manuel A. Roxas (1946-1948)

CONDITION OF THE PHILIPPINESWhen 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 PROBLEMSSince 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 INAUGURATIONSince 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 PROGRAMSIn 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 country’s 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 PROGRAMSThe 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 country’s 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 LAWSManuel 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 what’s 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 country’s post war state, there were motives and controversies surrounding his decisions.

ISSUES AND CONTROVERSIESAlthough 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 country’s 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 GOVERNANCEWhen 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 Philippine’s 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 PHILIPPINESWhen 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 president’s office under Liberal Party ticket, defeating Nacionalista vie and former president José P. Laurel as well as fellow Liberalista and former senate president José Avelino.

PRIMARY PROBLEMSPoverty 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 INAUGURATIONQuirino 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 PROGRAMSBecause 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 (President’s 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 Quezon’s “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 PROGRAMSMany 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 LAWSProblems 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 CONTROVERSIESQuirino’s 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 GOVERNANCEWhen Quirino’s 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)Quirino’s 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.

Ramon F. Magsaysay (1953-1957)

CONDITION OF THE PHILIPPINESRecovery of the Philippines after the Japanese War.Reconstruction of the Philippines after WW2

PRIMARY PROBLEMSLand Reform Problems

Hukbalahap Rebellion

Lack of funding for the rehabilitation of the Philippines from the damages from World War 2

PROMISES DURING THE ELECTIONS AND INAUGURATIONI will have such men. From this day, the members of my administration, beginning with myself, shall cease to belong to our parties, to our families, even to ourselves. We shall belong only to the people.In the administration of public affairs, all men entrusted with authority must adhere firmly to the ideals and principles of Constitution.

I will render-and demand-uncompromising loyalty to the basic tenet of our Constitution: that you the people, are sovereign.

The rule of the government must be service to you. Accordingly, I pledge my administration to your service.I pledge that we shall be guardians of freedom and dignity of the individual.”

The Bill of Rights shall be, for me and the members of my administration, a bill of duties. We shall be guardians of the freedom and dignity of the individual.

The land tenure system of our country shall be re-examined, to purge it of injustice and oppression.“Land for the landless” shall be more than just a catch-phrase. We will translate it into actuality. We will clear and open for settlement our vast and fertile public lands which, under the coaxing of willing hearts and industrious hands, are waiting to yield sustenance to millions of our countrymen.

I therefore call upon the remnants of the Huk uprising still hiding in the hills to lay down their arms — and rejoin the rest of the nation in the ways of peace.

But, to the leaders of the Communist conspiracy who would deliver this country and its people to a foreign power, this I say: I shall use all the forces at my command to the end that the sovereign authority of this government shall be respected and maintained.

LAWS AND PROGRAMSAgrarian Reform Programs

1. Republic Act No. 1160 of 1954

LASEDECO was abolished and established the National Resettlement and Rehabilitation AdministrationMain goal was to resettle landless farmers, and aimed at the rebels who returned to provide them with lots for home and farming in Palawan and Mindanao2. Republic Act No. 1199 (Agricultural Tenancy Act of 1954)

Created the court of Agrarian RelationsThe leasehold system and share-tenancy were organized to oversee the relationship between tenants and landowners3. Republic Act No. 1400 (Land Reform Act of 1955)

Land Tenure Administration (LTA) were in charge of the possessing and distributing tenanted rice and corn lands (200 hectares for individuals and 600 hectares for corporations)4. Republic Act No. 821 (Creation of Agricultural Credit Cooperative Financing Administration)

Small farmers and tenants low interests of between six to eight percent with their loans5. Reparation Agreement

An agreement between Japan and the Philippines to pay the latter five hundred fifty million U.S. dollars ($550,000) as payment for the war damages of World War II.6. Bell Trade Act of 1946 into the Laurel-Langley Agreement

It eradicated the authority of the United States to have control over the exchange rate of the Philippines peso, parity privileges reciprocal, extended the sugar quota. This agreement retained the economic subservience between the U.S. and the Philippines.7. Agricultural Commodities Agreement with the U.S. (1957)

perpetuating the colonial pattern of the nation’s economy8. Anti-subversion Law

Law that limited the citizen’s democratic rights of assembly, free speech, and belief.

BENEFICIARIES OF THE LAWS AND PROGRAMSRepublic Act No. 1160 of 1954

Rebel returnees and as well as landless farmers benefitted for they were given home lots and farm lands

Republic Act No. 1199 (Agricultural Tenancy Act of 1954)

Although the law amended on the tenancy problem, farmers benefitted from the distribution of crops on a certain basisThe main problem of tenurial system was not given notice

HOLES AND SHORTCOMINGS OF THE LAWSAlthough the common people benefitted from the land distribution of the government, and tenants were given more rights, the problems that were solved by the government were just in the surface rather than the main problem. They put a solution to a problem but not in the main one, in Republic Act No. 1199 farmers were given a certain percentage of the distribution of crop, so it put and minor solution to that but with the case of the tenurial system, it wasn’t given notice.

His programs were designed to benefit the common people but eventually had its problems in the end. The relocation of the people from certain places, worked at first but eventually started a cultural dispute between the natives living there and those who were relocated.

ISSUES AND CONTROVERSIESCorruption among cabinet members and the endless attempts to bribe the president were the most common issues of that time where corruptions was very rampant among government officials and President Magsaysay was among the very few who resisted and had zero tolerance against corruption.The president who had zero tolerance for corruption even simple signs of not having a clean government he would put a stop on to it especially with his relatives. Like when his brother planned to start a law firm, the president refused for it will draw shady dealings for the firm will be run by the president’s brother.

SUMMARY OF GOVERNANCERamon Magsaysay was dubbed as “the guy” because many considered him as the president who really connected and represented the common man being a president with a sympathetic heart to the masses. He even opened Malacañang to the public. His death was presented with issues telling that his plane didn’t actually crashed but it was sneaked in with a bomb that caused the plane crash of the president.

GRADE (DLSU SYSTEM)If I were to grade, it will be 2.5 based on what he did against corruption. His man for the masses image really reflects on what he did and how he did it. He roamed around barrios in order to hear from the people what they needed. But that really started something bad for the Filipino people, which started on what I believe the strong dependency of the people to public servants. Instead of the people doing what they needed to do, they instead leaned

on the officials that is why I only gave him a 2.5 instead of a 4.0 which will be solely based on his uncorrupted tenure as president.Carlos P. Garcia (1957-1961)

CONDITION OF THE PHILIPPINESThe 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 PROBLEMSThe 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 PolicyThis 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.

Bohlen–Serrano AgreementThe 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 ProgramThe 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 AwardsThe 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 PolicyThe 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 AwardsFilipino 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 LAWSFilipino First PolicyThe 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 ProgramEven 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 CONTROVERSIESGarcia was criticized by foreign countries, especially the United States for his anti-foreign policies. There was also corruption withing the Bureau of Internal Revenue in which he had the implement the Austerity Program.

SUMMARY OF GOVERNANCEThe 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 PHILIPPINESThere 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 INAUGURATIONMacapagal promised a program for the socio-economic aspect of society wherein he’d 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 poor’s 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 PROGRAMSOpened Malacanang to the Public; however it didn’t last long because people started to only loft around.

Dismissed Corruption in the government when the official couldn’t justify his sudden acquisition of wealth.

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

Agricultural Land Reform Code of 1963Abolished 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 PROGRAMSCorrupt Congressmen and BusinessmenStonehill

HOLES AND SHORTCOMINGS OF THE LAWSHe 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 wasn’t able to effectively maximize the programs for the people to alleviate poverty

ISSUES AND CONTROVERSIESGraft and Corruption (Stonehill Scandal)

Rise in Consumer Goods Prices

Peace and Order Issues

Macapagal’s privileged subjects in congress and business paraded their lavish wealth in conspicuous parties and anomalous deals.

SUMMARY OF GOVERNANCEDiosdado 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. That’s 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. He’s the type of person who’s 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 today’s 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 didn’t 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 didn’t “die” when he was in power but he wasn’t 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 wasn’t 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 didn’t achieve any of his promises during his term but the country didn’t go into a state of despair.

Ferdinand Edralin Marcos (1965-1986)

CONDITION OF THE PHILIPPINESThere 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 people’s 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 Aquino’s killing controversy.

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

PRIMARY PROBLEMSUnemploymentDestabilized Economy

Rampant Corruption in the Government and abuse of authority and powerIncreased 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 PROGRAMSMartial LawMartial 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 ActInvestment 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 LGU’s 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 80’s 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 CONTROVERSIESMarcos Ill-gotten wealthDeclaration of Martial LawAssassination of Benigno Aquino

SUMMARY OF GOVERNANCEDuring his first term Marcos focused on developing the country’s 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 military’s 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.

Corazon C. Aquino (1986-1992)

CONDITION OF THE PHILIPPINESDemocracy was restored after the reign of Ferndinand Marcos and the declaration of the Martial Law.

A series of natural disasters hit the country such as the 1990 earthquake, the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, and a series of Typhoons.

There have been many coup d’état attempts and uprisings.

Brownouts were very frequent and would last for about 12 hours.

PRIMARY PROBLEMSDispleased citizensPower Shortage/Rampant Brownouts

PROMISES DURING THE ELECTIONS AND INAUGURATIONa.) erosion of our sense of nationb.) to create jobs and livelihoodc.) deliver social servicesd.) bring about peace and ordere.) improve the lives of all our peoplef.) mobilize the spirit of volunteerism-especially among the youth, by documenting and publicizing examples of selfless service to country and people by groups and individuals working in and with the grassroots

Inauguration Speech:I, as president of the Philippines, will serve and defend its fundamental law, execute its just laws, do justice to every man, and consecrate myself to the service of the nation, so help me God.

LAWS AND PROGRAMSa.) restoration of democracy-abolished the legislature-declared a revolutionary government-wrote a new constitution (1987 Constitution)

b.) Land Reform

c.) Free secondary schooling

d.) Proclamation No.9Cory issues Proclamation No. 9 which provides for the creation of a constitutional commission (Concom) to draft a new charter “truly reflective of the ideals and aspirations of the Filipino People,” on or before September 2 of the same year. She appoints 48 men and women, led former justice Cecilia Muñoz Palma, to be members of the Concom.

e.) Proclamation no. 1Cory, in her inaugural address, issues her first edict: Proclamation No. 1 calling all appointive public officials to submit their courtesy resignations. In her speech, she proceeded to reorganize the government issuing Executive Order No. 1—appointing Cabinet ministers and task forces to help her run the government.

g.) Proclamation no.3One month after assuming the presidency, Cory issues Proclamation No. 3, proclaiming her government a “revolutionary government.” With this, she suspends the 1973 Constitution installed

during martial law and promulgates a provisional “Freedom Constitution,” which vests legislative making powers on her, pending the enactment of the new constitution.

h.) executive order no.88Cory issues Executive Order 48: Creating an Ad Hoc Special Committee to supervise the liquidation of the affairs of the Constitutional Commission of 1986, preservation of its records, and to undertake its constitutional education campaign.

i.) United States trading in the First Philippine Fund Inc.On November 9, she opens United States trading in the First Philippine Fund Inc. She later spoke at a meeting of the United States Chamber of Commerce and the United States-Philippine Business Committee, where she urged American business to increase its investment in the Philippines.

i.) ratification of a 1991 treaty

A president must also learn how to bow to the inevitable, as Cory had to do with the negotiations on the renewal of the US lease on its military bases in the Philippines. After keeping her options open, she signaled her support for the ratification of a 1991 treaty allowing the Americans continued access to the installation for ten years, with the option to renew for another ten. The Senate voted 12-11 against the agreement and the Americans were out of the country by 1992.

e.) Administrative Code of 1987

establishes the various Cabinet departments and offices falling within the executive branch of government, and under the direct control and supervision of the President. The Code also prescribes the administrative procedure undertaken

in proceedings before the offices under the executive department.

• Executive Order No. 228, July 16, 1987 – Declared full ownership to qualified farmer-beneficiaries covered by PD 27. It also determined the value remaining unvalued rice and corn lands subject of PD 27 and provided for the manner of payment by the FBs and mode of compensation to landowners.

• Executive Order No. 229, July 22, 1987 – Provided mechanism for the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

• Proclamation No. 131, July 22, 1987 – Instituted the CARP as a major program of the government. It provided for a special fund known as the Agrarian Reform Fund (ARF), with an initial amount of Php50 billion to cover the estimated cost of the program from 1987-1992.

• Executive Order No. 129-A, July 26, 1987 – streamlined and expanded the power and operations of the DAR.

• Republic Act No. 6657, June 10, 1988 (Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law) – An act which became effective June 15, 1988 and instituted a comprehensive agrarian reform program to promote social justice and industrialization providing the mechanism for its implementation and for other purposes. This law is still the one being implemented at present.

• Executive Order No. 405, June 14, 1990 – Vested in the Land Bank of the Philippines the responsibility to determine land valuation and compensation for all lands covered by CARP.

• Executive Order No. 407, June 14, 1990 – Accelerated the acquisition and distribution of agricultural lands, pasture lands, fishponds, agro-forestry lands and other lands of the public domain suitable for agriculture.

BENEFICIARIES OF THE LAWS AND PROGRAMSThe Common People – Because they were just coming out of the Marcos Regime. They were looking for democracy and freedom.

Corporate Owners of the Lands (Agrarian Reform) – There were holes in the law which made it possible for the companies to distribute stocks instead of land ownership to the farmers.

HOLES AND SHORTCOMINGS OF THE LAWSShe wasn’t really able to solve the country’s problems by implementing all that she promised because she was constantly distracted by coups that threatened the country and her administration. She focused a lot on disaster management but it was necessary for her to keep the peace.

ISSUES AND CONTROVERSIESAquino was not spared from the controversies that eventually centered on Hacienda Luisita, a 6,453-hectare estate located in the Province of Tarlac, which she inherited from her family. She was scored for allowing Hacienda Luisita, which was now owned by the Tarlac Development Corporation, to opt for stock distribution, instead of land redistribution. She also has an issue concerning the farmers of Mendiola being massacred.

SUMMARY OF GOVERNANCECorazon Aquino became the president of the country because the people believed she was the positive change they needed especially since her husband, Ninoy, who was supposed to be the change for the country, passed away in a gunshot. During her administration, Cory was plagued by coup d’etats by various groups that foreign investors started to pull their investments from the country. That’s why a lot of her efforts were pointed towards disaster management from the various groups and sometimes, her motherly methods such as giving cake worked. She was also linked to controversies such as massacring farmers in Mendiola and holding the land she inherited rather than having it distributed. Despite these problems, The economy still had a positive growth during her term with an average of 3.8% by the end of it. Cory, although wasn’t the best qualified president, still did a pretty good job. Compared to Marcos or Ramos though, it still fell short of what truly makes a spectacular leader which is why she’s rated as average.

GRADE (DLSU SYSTEM)2.0measured her not only in terms of moral character and her desire to help the Philippinesfailed in making the Philippines economically stablefocused on ensuring democracy to the peoplereformation of the constitution puttingmore emphasis on human rights and civilliberties

Fidel V. Ramos (1992–1998)

CONDITION OF THE PHILIPPINESGovernmentPrior to the Ramos Presidency, there were many coup d’état attempts and uprisings during the Aquino administration. This lead to a destabilized government. Politics were shaken and people started to lose their trust in the government. During the Ramos administration, civil liberty and government stability was restored.

EconomicThe Philippines was recovering from economical difficulties that arose from the lack of foreign investors during the Aquino administration. Because of the Coup attempts, foreign investors felt it was risky for them to invest in the Philippines, thus, economy wasn’t booming. (Aquino Administration) During the Ramos administration however, the Philippines took pleasure from economic growth and stability. Though the Asian Financial Crisis of 1997 struck, the Philippines wasn’t as badly affected as other Asian Nations. During this crisis, the Philippine Peso devaluated and dropped because of a fiscal deficit. The people of the Phlippines needed to be empowered to think economically for the betterment of the economy. Also, prior to Ramos’ policies and laws, the Philippines was experiencing frequent brownouts lasting up to twelve hours due to old and ancient power plants.

SocietyPeace was made with the Mindanao Hostiles. Ramos became instrumental in securing the peace agreement with the Muslims.

A strong campaign for nationalism in preparation for the centennial anniversary of the Philippines was present.PRIMARY PROBLEMS Asian Financial CrisisIn 1997, the Philippine economy plunged because of the Asian Financial Crisis. The annual growth rate of the Gross National Product fell in 1998 as compared to 1997.

Power CrisisThe Philippines was experiencing widespread and frequent brownouts because of the huge demand for electricity and the old and depreciated power plants.

PROMISES DURING THE ELECTIONS AND INAUGURATION• Restoration of Civic order• Make politics serve the not the family, favored groups, or themselves, but the nation• Restore Civility in political competition• He will reach out to the factions of the political community to work out priorities and agendas• He will reach out to the rebels to give up their armed struggle• Request the Congress to convene and amend the constitution• Nurse the economy and make it grow; generate productive employment• Dismantling protectionist barriers and providing correct incentives and support for the industries• Supply equal measure of agriculture• To continue the reforms by Aquino

LAWS AND PROGRAMS

Republic Act 7638 (Charter of the Department of Energy)This act was signed and implemented so that the department of energy would be created. This department rationalizes the organization and functions of government agencies responsible for the management of energy in the Philippines. Being that one of the projects of Ramos was the proper management, sourcing, and allocation of energy, this act had to be implemented in order to have a department responsible for it.

Republic Act 7648 (Electric Power Crisis)This act prescribes the measures that are necessary and proper to effectively address the electric power crisis in our country.

First RP-US Visiting Forces AgreementThe effect of this agreement is that it allows the government of the United States to keep the authority over their military personnel that are accused of committing crimes in the Philippines. This agreement exempts the US military personnel from visa and passport regulations in the Philippines, from being tried in Filipino religious or military courts, materials exported and imported by the military from duties or taxes. This agreement allows unrestricted movement of vessels from the United States and aircrafts in the Philippines.

Republic Act 7832 (Anti-electricity and Electric Transmission Lines/Materials Pilferage Act)This act penalizes theft and pilferage of electric lines and materials.

Republic Act 8179This act further allows foreign investments. It supports Republic Act 7042, which promotes foreign investments and prescribes the procedures and actions foreign investors have to do when registering for a business in the Philippines.

Deregulation and Privatization of Major IndustriesProtection of Migrant WorkersRamos facilitated the enactment of Republic Act 8042 which is also known as the Migrant Workers Act. This act protects Filipino workers abroad.

Philippines 2000Peace and StabilityEconomic Growth and DevelopmentEnergy and Power GenerationEnvironmental ProtectionStreamlined BureaucracyAgrarian Reform ProgramRestatement of the Death Penalty

BENEFICIARIES OF THE LAWS AND PROGRAMSAgrarian Reform Program• Fishermen• Farmers• Agricultural Businesses• Hacienderos (Because of CARP)

Migrant Workers Act• The first Filipino to benefit from this is Sarah Balabagan. Because of the Flor Contemplacion case that the government failed to negotiate properly, upon learning the sentence of Sarah Balabagan, Ramos immediately ordered UAE Ambassador to facilitate the negotiations. Sarah’s case was lowered and she was released in 1996.

Republic Act 8179Foreign investors benefited from this Act because the Philippine market was made opened to the world.

HOLES AND SHORTCOMINGS OF THE LAWS

Despite the resolution of the power shortage crisis, the Philippines fell into large debt because with the implementation of the formation of the Department of Energy, Ramos was granted special authority to give licenses to independent power producers to construct powerplants. This would guarantee that the government would buy the power that the independent power producers produced in US Dollars. When the East Asian Financial Crisis entered, this became a problem to the Philippines because the value of the peso declined. Thus, another hole of the government was that the investments from foreign investors were sought as ineffective.

Despite the implementation of the Migrant Workers Protection Program, there have been cases where the lack of focus on the program occurred. One such is the Flor Contemplation Hanging.

ISSUES AND CONTROVERSIESPEA-AMARI Scam Manila Bay Reclamation DealFVR Was accused of Corruption. This deal involved acquiring 158 hectares of reclaimed land on Manila Bay and it was supposedly going to be converted to what is called as “Freedom Islands”. The government was accused of corruption because they were said to favor Amari Costal Bay Resources and Filinvest Development by selling them a bigger portion for their own intentions. Ramos was accused that the deal was clinched to benefit the members of Lakas-NUCD, which was Ramos’ group.

Centennial Expo and Conversion of Military Base in Fort Bonifacio for Private DevelopmentThe Centennial Expo was supposedly one of his notable contributions to the Philippines and the people. The government was charged of alleged corruption and the misuse of funds. The projects relating to the Expo site were said to be extravagant

and showed the inefficiency of the administration. They said it was a convenient vehicle to effect election fund-raising for the Lakas Political Party of Ramos. The issue there was that there was a budget set for the entire project. However, not all the projects were completed but the entire budget was spent.

SUMMARY OF GOVERNANCETax reformation from 4% to 10%• Organized Cooperatives• Ended the power crisis• Economies of scale enhanced the productivity of the farmers• Revival of country’s economy• Ended oligopolies in shipping, telecommunications, and banking• Average income of families and households increased• Achieved peace with Muslim rebels and military rebels (won 1997 UNESCO peace award, the first Asians recieved)

GRADE (DLSU SYSTEM)Ramos receives a grade of 3.5 because his term is considered one of the most orderly and productive presidencies in the Philippines. He pulled people to be more nationalistic through his Philippines 2000 campaign and he was able to establish foreign relations with many countries that in turn made the country rich because of the Philippine market opening to foreign businesses.

Joseph Ejercito Estrada (1998-2001)

CONDITION OF THE PHILIPPINESDuring the 1998 presidential election campaign, like most presidential campaign, the competition did not do anything between political platforms and programs. Estrada’s strategists were aware that there is a large percent of the population who are poor and uneducated or “masa” who were looking for a candidate whom they could relate to. Using the slogan “Erap para sa mahirap”, Estrada succeeded in inspiring the lower class people with a hope that if he wins, he will the president of the masses. Estrada was inaugurated on June 30, 1998 in the historical town of Malolos in Bulacan province in paying tribute to the cradle of the First Philippine Republic.

During Estrada’s administration, the economic teamwas strong but during the latter part, the admin failed to capitalize on the gains of the previous administration. When Estrada was accused of influencing an investigation in the stock market manipulation, foreign investments declined. The Asian Financial Crisis and climatic disturbance hindered economic performance of the country. Towards the end of his term, the fiscal deficit doubled to more than Php100 billion. However, GNP increased to 3.6% from 0.1% and GDP incurred a 4% growth rate. Debt reached Php2.1 Trillion in 1999. Inflation rate went down from 11% to just a little over 3%. The Estrada administration upheld the foreign policy thrusts of the Ramos administration, focusing on national security, economic diplomacy, assistance to nationals, and image-building. The Philippines continued to be at the forefront of the regional and multilateral arena.

PRIMARY PROBLEMSGraft and CorruptionGraft and corruption was pretty eminent not just during Estrada’s administration. Obviously, we all know Estrada was sanctioned to have been getting or robbing money from the governments’ fund to use for his own personal interest. That is why he was impeached due to his plunder and perjury case.

Asian Financial CrisisThe Central bank raised interest rates by 1.75%. The BSP was forced to intervene heavily to defend the peso raising the overnight rate from 15% to 24%. The pesa fell from 26 per dollar to 28 pesos to 40 pesos by the end of the crisis.

El NinoThe El Nino led to too many problems in the country. One of which is the serious drought of lands in the rural areas that cause the unemployment of the farmers and the rise of the prices of rice.

PovertyOf the 14.37 million families, 5.75 million belonged to the lowest 40% income group while 8.62 million in the highest 60% income bracket. In terms of percentage to total families, families in the highest 60% income strata got the biggest percentage in almost all indicators. But in terms of the percentage to the total families within each income strata, families in the lowest 40% income strata are not far off from families in the highest 60%.

PROMISES DURING THE ELECTIONS AND INAUGURATIONEstrada’s first priority was to focus on the improvement of the economy. Creating the environment of peace and order in which business

does well so as to uplift the economy of the country. Estrada wanted to focus on the masses and put up programs for them first. He promised the masses that they will not suffer anymore and let the rich people take a share on the sacrifices. As he states

“As far as resources permit, to the best of our ability and the limit of our energy, we will put a roof over their heads, food on their tables, and clothes on their backs. We will educate their children and foster their health. We will bring peace and security, jobs and dignity to their lives. We will put more infrastructure at their service, to multiply their productivity and raise their incomes.”

He stated several points regarding how the government can help out in improving the country. Stamping out crimes, providing basic services without the extra cost of pork barrel, roads for work, infrastructure, schools, clinics, national defense are some of the factors Estrada promised to implement or establish. Erap swore to give at once a government that works. Estrada also promised to bring peace and harmony to the society. He wanted every Filipino, rich or poor to feel that they are safe.LAWS AND PROGRAMS

Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 (Republic Act No. 8749)Designed to protect and preserve the environment and ensure the sustainable development of its natural resources.

Incentives for Regional Headquarters of Foreign Multinationals (Republic Act No. 8756)The measure grants a host of incentives to multinational firms establishing their regional hubs in the country. It also provides a tax- and duty-free operating environment for them, and multiple entry visas to expatriates and their families, as well as a flat income tax rate of 15%.

Retail Trade Liberalization Act (Republic Act No. 8762)The bill dismantles 40 years of state protectionism over the country’s retail trade industry and opens the sector to big foreign players. With the retail trade liberalization, well-known foreign players like France’s Carrefour and Casino Group as well as the U.S.’ Wal-Mart and JC Penney are already in the process of negotiating with local partners.

New General Banking Act (Republic Act No. 8791)The measure opens up the local banking industry to foreign players after almost 50 years of having it exclusively reserved and protected for Filipino nationals. With the industry’s liberalization, at least 10 foreign banks have already established their presence in the Philippines.

Electronic Commerce Act of 2000 (Republic Act No. 8792)Outlaws computer hacking and provides opportunities for new businesses emerging from the Internet-driven New Economy.

New Securities Act (Republic Act No. 8799)This law liberalizes the securities market by shifting policy from merit regulation to full disclosure. With its strengthened provisions against fraud, the measure is expected to pave the way for the full development of the Philippine equities and securities market.

Agrarian ReformThe Estrada administration widened the coverage of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) to the landless peasants in the country side. The latter’s administration distributed more than 266,000 hectares of land to 175,000 landless farmers, including land owned by the traditional rural elite. On September 1999, he issued Executive

Order (EO) 151, also known as Farmer’s Trust Fund, which allows the voluntary consolidation of small farm operation into medium and large scale integrated enterprise that can access long-term capital. President Estrada launched the Magkabalikat Para sa Kaunlarang Agraryo or MAGKASAKA. The DAR forged into joint ventures with private investors into agrarian sector to make FBs competitive. In 1999 a huge fund was allocated to agricultural programs. One of which is the “Agrikulturang Maka Masa”, through which it achieved an output growth of 6 percent, a record high at the time, thereby lowering the inflation rate from 11 percent in January 1999 to just a little over 3 percent by November of the same year.

Anti-Crime Task ForcesIn 1998, by virtue of Executive Order No.8, President Estrada created the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF) with the objective of minimizing, if not totally eradicating, car theft and worsening kidnapping cases in the country. With the help of this task force, the Philippine National Police for the first time in history achieved a record-high trust rating of +53 percent. Panfilo Lacson was its first head. He also created the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime (PCTC) in 1999, with the objective of formulating and implementing a concerted of action of all law enforcement, intelligence and other government agencies for the prevention and control of transnational crime.

Death PenaltyThe death penalty law in the Philippines was re-enforced during the incumbency of Estrada’s predecessor, Fidel Ramos. This law provided the use of the electric chair until the gas chamber (method chosen by government to replace electrocution) could be installed. The Estrada administration peddled the death penalty as the antidote to crime. The reasoning was that if the criminals will be afraid

to commit crimes if they see that the government is determined to execute them.

Charter ChangeUnder President Joseph Estrada, there was a similar attempt to change the 1987 constitution. The process is termed as CONCORD or Constitutional Correction for Development. Unlike Charter change under Ramos and Arroyo the CONCORD proposal, according to its proponents, would only amend the ‘restrictive’ economic provisions of the constitution that is considered as impeding the entry of more foreign investments in the Philippines.

RP-US Visiting Forces AgreementOn 1999 a Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States, which was ratified in the Senate.The first Visiting Forces Agreement was actually signed under President Ramos in 1998, and the second was subsequently signed under President Estrada. The two agreements came to effect a year later. The primary effect of the Agreement is to require the U.S. government (1) to notify RP authorities when it becomes aware of the apprehension, arrest or detention of any RP personnel visiting the U.S. and (2) when so requested by the RP government, to ask the appropriate authorities to waive jurisdiction in favor of RP, except cases of special interest to the U.S. departments of State or Defense

BENEFICIARIES OF THE LAWS AND PROGRAMSEstrada’s agrarian reform was for the benefit of those farmers living in the rural areas. CARP was for the benefit of those farmers who do not own their own land. He distributed hectares of land to those who are landless. Farmers’ Trust Fund was intended for those farmers who have small and medium capital to extend their business into a large scale accessing long term loans from the fund.

Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force was launched in order to reduce crimes such as car/kidnapping. He also created the Philippines Center on Transnational Crime. Its objective is to implement law enforcement for the prevention of crimes. Estrada also implemented the death penalty where its objective is also, to reduce serious crimes.

The Charter change turned out to be a big issue in the government. This charter change was intended to recreate the constitution. Apparently, it was not really for the benefit of the economy or the country. It was for Estrada’s own benefit to gain more power and use more government money.

Estrada also formulated the RP-US Visiting Forces agreement. This is requiring US government to notify RP authorities when it becomes aware of the apprehension, arrest or detention of any RP personnel visiting the U.S. and when so requested by the RP government, to ask the appropriate authorities to waive jurisdiction in favor of RP, except cases of special interest to the U.S. departments of State or Defense. This was for the economy of the country.

HOLES AND SHORTCOMINGS OF THE LAWSEstrada’s Clean Air Act only focused only on the air quality management. I think it would have been more appealing and more effective if the law were not only about air management. I think if Erap implemented a law that focused on the environment as a whole and not just the air management, most citizens would have struck it thus making Estrada as a president who is really concerned about the status of our natural resources.

President Joseph Estrada urged Congress to speed up the passage of a new Securities Act aimed at promoting a more transparent and stronger stock exchange in the Philippines. He called on lawmakers to adopt models in Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia, where the public has the majority ownership of the stock market, in restructuring the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE). He adopted systems from other countries that are really improving however; it is pretty hard for the country to use it because it is way too different. The Philippines is a third world country therefore will have a hard time carrying out the adopted system.

ISSUES AND CONTROVERSIESWar between MILFDuring the Ramos administration a cessation of hostilities agreement was signed between the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in July 1997. This was continued by a series of peace talks and negotiations in Estrada administration. However the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a Islamic group formed in 1977, seeks to be an independent Islamic State from the Philippines, despite the agreements, a sequence of terrorist attacks with the Philippine military and the civilians still continued.[2] Such of those attack are 277 violations committed, kidnapping a foreign priest, namely Father Luciano Benedetti, the occupying and setting on fire of the municipal hall of Talayan, Maguindanao; the takeover of the Kauswagan Municipal Hall; the bombing of the Lady of Mediatrix boat at Ozamiz City; and the takeover of the Narciso Ramos Highway. By doing so, they inflicted severe damage on the country’s image abroad, and scared much-needed investments away.

Plunder

The plunder case consisted of four separate charges: acceptance of 545 million pesos from proceeds of Jueteng, an illegal gambling game; misappropriation of 130 million pesos in excise taxes from tobacco; receiving a 189.7-million-peso commission from the sale of the shares of Belle Corporation, a real-estate firm; and owning some 3.2 billion pesos in a bank account under the name Jose Velarde.

PerjuryThe minor charge of perjury is for Estrada underreporting his assets in his 1999 statement of assets and liabilities and for the illegal use of an alias, namely for the Jose Velarde bank account.

BW ResourcesBW Resources, a small gaming company listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange and linked to people close to Estrada, experienced “a meteoric rise” in its stock price due to suspected stock price manipulation. The head of the compliance and surveillance group of PSE resigned which led to the confusion of the investigation. The events created a negative impression. “The BW controversy undermined foreign investor confidence in the stock market” and “also contributed to a major loss of confidence in the Philippines among foreign and local investors on concerns that cronyism may have played a part.”

Impeachment TrialThis was the first time Filipinos would witness, through radio and television, an elected president stand in trial and face possible impeachment with full media coverage. During the trial, the prosecution presented witnesses and alleged evidences to the impeachment court regarding Estrada’s alleged involvement in jueteng. The existence of secret bank accounts that he allegedly used for receiving payoffs was also brought affront. Singson stood as witness against the president during the trial and said that he and the President were alleged partners in-charge

of the countrywide jueteng operations. Singson’s testimony was one of the vital pieces of evidence that led to Estrada’s subsequent conviction.

WHAT THE PRESIDENT DID

With Erap’s plunder and perjury case, he did not do anything about it to prove that he is not doing some illegal acts. He just made a way to erase the thought in people’s minds. Because his market is the masa and the masa does not care about how their president act as long as he is doing something to uplift their sufferings, they do not keep in mind what Erap is doing may it be against the law or not. He just let the government take away his position by the impeachment trial. Erap’s perjury case was different. The Jose Velardo account was obviously one case which Estrada together with his supporters .

SUMMARY OF GOVERNANCEJoseph Estrada was elected as president gaining most of the votes from the people. Erap won the hearts of the poor by promising them with a life where suffering does not exist. He also made it to a point to prioritize the development of the economy. Under the Asian financial crisis, Estrada did not do well in making the economy survive. Unemployment rate went up, budget deficit grew and the currency fell. Eventually, the economy recovered but at a much slower pace than other asian countries. Estrada waged an all out war against the MILF which affected a huge number of people. Crime rate also went up because of the occurring kidnapping and killings. Estrasa was charged of receiving a big amount from illegal gambling payoffs. He was impeached. The masses protested and demanded for Erap’s resignation bringin about EDSA 2 revolution.

GRADE (DLSU SYSTEM)I think he deserves a 1.0. Although he was charged of plunder, was labeled at Jueteng Payola and labeled as a womanizer, he still made some acts to which it had a good effect on the country. Ever since Estrada was accused of laundering and pocketing a humungous amount of money, I have concluded that he is very much capable of doing such things against the country. He is a kind of person who gets what he wants. He deluged himself of wine and satisfied himself with wanton pleasure for women. These two are the most dangerous sickness a man could be inflicted with.

However, even though Erap didn’t have the educational competence, economists can prove to us that 1998-2001’s economy were in better condition. During Ramos’ administration, you can even see a slump in our economy some of which even reached the negative mark. Meaning, if he was really that good he should be able to sustain any growth he’d been saying. In fact, in 1996, our economy dipped down to a below zero mark and this can be attested by some political economic analyst. The revenue collections were very good because we had less foreign borrowings and in turn less budget deficits, unlike what’s happening to us right now. He had very good appointees that were able to alleviate budget difficulties.