American Journal of Research www.journalofresearch.us ¹ 11-12, November-December 2018 [email protected]
SOCIAL SCIENCE AND HUMANITIES
Manuscript info: Received November 4, 2018., Accepted November 12, 2018., Published November 30, 2018.
PHILIPPINE POLITICAL ECONOMY 1998-2018: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Ruben O Balotol Jr, [email protected] Visayas State University-Baybay
http://dx.doi.org/10.26739/2573-5616-2018-12-2
Abstract: In every decision than an individual deliberates always entails economic underpinnings and collective political decisions to consider that affects the kind of decision an individual shape. For example governments play a major role in establishing tax rates, social, economic and environmental goals. The impact of economic and politics are not only limited from one's government, different perspectives and region of the globe are now closely linked imposing ideology and happily toppling down cultural threat to their interests. According to Žižek (2008) violence is not solely something that enforces harm or to an individual or community by a clear subject that is responsible for the violence. Violence comes also in what he considered as objective violence, without a clear agent responsible for the violence. Objective violence is caused by the smooth functioning of our economic and political systems. It is invisible and inherent to what is considered as normal state of things. Objective violence is considered as the background for the explosion of the subjective violence. It fore into the scene of perceptibility as a result of multifaceted struggle. It is evident that economic growth was as much a consequence of political organization as of conditions in the economy. It also manifest that society's laws could be described on the same economic principles used to explicate society's choice of roads, bridges, hospitals, and schools. To elaborate the point of the study. First it discusses the Philippine politics and economy from Spanish to American period. It highlights the transformation of primitive politics and economy in the Philippines as shaped by colonialism. Second, it examines the divided political and economic policy from Estrada to early administration of Duterte. Finally, the study critically presents the 21st century phenomena of Philippine political economy and the transformation Filipino's ideologies. Key words: Political economy, colonialism, violence, Duterterismo, Philippines
Recommended citation: Ruben O Balotol Jr. Philippine Political Economy 1998-2018: A Critical Analysis. 11-12. American Journal of Research P. 15-31 (2018).
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15 American Journal of Research www.journalofresearch.us ¹ 11-12, November-December 2018 [email protected]
Introduction Philippine political economy from In every decision than an 1998 to early of 2018. The year 1998 individual deliberates always entails to early 2018 is considered significant economic underpinnings and because it marks revolutionary collective political decisions to changes in political populism and consider that affects the kind of reevaluation of democracy are decision an individual shape. For prevalent among scholars. example governments play a major Furthermore, to elaborate the role in establishing tax rates, social, point of the study critical analysis economic and environmental goals. was employed.A philosophical The impact of economic and politics method which emphasizes that the are not only limited from one's search for truth depends on the government, different perspectives rigor of thinking. As it seeks answers and region of the globe are now to those questions that have closely linked imposing ideology and implications to human life.To happily toppling down cultural threat elaborate the point of the study. First, to their interests. to discuss the Philippine political The International Monetary Fund economy from Spanish to American (IMF), World Bank, World Trade colonial era. It is a crucial part of Organization (WTO), Moody's and Philippine history that would serve other international arbiter of as a guide in understanding economic and political stability thoroughly the climate of modern affects individual and the communal political economy in the political prospects, it is forced to Philippines.Second, examines the sacrifice elementary political divided political and economic freedoms and hampers economic policy from Estrada to early sustainability which the adverse administration of Duterte. Finally, effect manifest in the inability to the study critically presents the 21st expand determinants of freedom century phenomena of Philippine such as educational and health political economy and the accessibility as well as the exercise transformation of Filipino's of political and civil rights (Sen, ideologies. As the country enters into 1999; Cohn, 2012). the crucial phase of the present It is evident that economic growth administration was as much a consequence of political organization as of Revisiting Philippine Political conditions in the economy. It also Economy from Spanish to American manifest that society's laws could be Colonia Era described on the same economic The absence of political unity principles used to explicate society's allowed Miguel Lopez de Legaspi choice of roads, bridges, hospitals, to impose Christianity and and schools (Usher, 2003). Thus, established a feudal colonial rule to this study is a critical analysis of the majority of the Filipinos. All the
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16 American Journal of Research www.journalofresearch.us ¹ 11-12, November-December 2018 [email protected] protestations of friendship, equality, activities of the British that radically and brotherhood were empty words modifies the economic life. English which meant nothing in practical merchants and the East India terms. But what the Spanish rule did Company at start occupied positions mean was an interruption and of importance second only to the redirection of technology, economy, Chinese traders, by the end of religion, politics and society nineteenth century, the English had (Casi?o, 1982; Constantino, 1994). attain commercial primacy in Manila The Spanish conquest eventually (Constantino, 1994). shaped fundamentally the lives of the The demands of the capitalist native population. The Spaniards modernity forced Philippines to forced the natives to adapt to new developed export-crop economy, ways, to take on the immense labor fostering a national market, attracting of producing enough food for their commerce. Tobacco industry was the masters and themselves, causing to first large-scale commercial venture develop a consciousness of national in the Philippine agricultural solidarity from a century of common economy (Fenner, 1982; grievances. In addition, the Constantino, 1994; Casi?o, 1982). introduction of new systems affects Moreover, the liberalism of the the economic development, paving ilustrados in Europe and in the to three distinct economic systems Philippines failed to secure that existed in the Philippines; a administrative reforms and promote Western economy, a native class participation in the political economy, and a Chinese economy. rule. The attempts to establish an The Spanish galleon trade, Manila- independent Philippine governance Acapulco became a potent stimulus is first manifested in Rizal's La Liga for the increase of migrants and Filipina, the blueprint constitution which eventually monopolized by of a Filipino nation, which sought the Chinese, making them an to involve the people directly in the indispensable and established reform movement. institution in Philippine economic However, the struggle was marred life not until the coming of British with personal interests within the traders since the Spanish crown ranks of the revolutionary could not sanction rival European government which resulted to the powers due to the distance, passage of leadership of the supervision is difficult (Casi?o, movement from the proletariat to the 1982). hands of the elite-Illustrado claimed While the increasing that the direction and control of the commercialization within the revolution would be best guided Philippines was the handiwork of the under their stewardship. Future Chinese who did business with the events would demonstrate how the native producers, Spanish governors revolutionary forces of the people and friars, it was the commercial would be used as a bargaining lever
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17 American Journal of Research www.journalofresearch.us ¹ 11-12, November-December 2018 [email protected] by the elite for the protection of featured a perpetual scramble for their economic and political position and patronage which the advances (Constantino, 1994). colonial power satisfied as reward In Hong Kong, Americans have for acquiescence to its own political cunningly guaranteed Aguinaldo not and economic objectives. its mercenary motives but for the Philippine Politics and the sake of humanity, considered it as Economy under Estrada, Arroyo, apropos to extend their protective Aquino III and Duterte mantle over Philippines, thus administration making Filipinos as the first colonial The discussion approaches the possession of the United States n examination of politics and economy South-East Asia following the of the 21st century Philippines by Spanish-American War. Unlike critically reflecting the governance other American conquest, the of Estrada, Arroyo, Aquino III and Filipino politician resisted and again the most recent administration of used the common people as the Duterte. It is deemed relevant to bargaining lever to protect their tackle their political and economic interest. When the Americans agendas sourced from various established its rule in the country, medium. It relies on publicly the businessmen and hacienderos available reports, studies and (landed elites)cross over to the information. camp of the new colonizers. The failure of the American government Joseph Ejercito Estrada (1998- to establish land reform because they 2001) were careful not to threaten the On May of 1998, the actor landed elites who constantly supply turned politician was elected as the agricultural products for the U.S. thirteenth President of the market (Villacorta, 2002; San Juan, Philippine Republic. Estrada's over 2007). a hundred movies where most of his According to Renato and Letizia character depicts of an astig hero Constantino (1978) together with who defends the weak and the poor the English, the public school from the vices and the corrupt system, and the fairly rapid society. Estrada recognized the Filipinization of the bureaucracy, influence of television to the colonial politics became a vehicle for ideological formation of the the political education of the Filipinos in matters of politics and Fili pino as colonial citizen at the morality he then fused his movies same coopted into the American and political persona to gain colonial establishment, a new advantage during the 1998 generation of leaders to succeed the presidential election. Thus, making Illustrado collaborationists. his slogan of governance and Philippine politics became a colonial propaganda, "Erap para sa mahirap," version of American war politics and which eventually become a successful
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18 American Journal of Research www.journalofresearch.us ¹ 11-12, November-December 2018 [email protected] rhetoric (Abinales and Amoroso, contribution due to rapid expansion 2005; Hedman, 2000). made by some local firms from Estrada started his political career contract assembly process to in 1969 as mayor of San Juan, elements of design. In addition, the Manila until 1986. In 1987, he was service sector also registered growth elected to the Senate where he voted fueled by the transport, the removal of U.S. bases in the communication and storage sector. country and pushed for some The surge in purchase of cellular agrarian reform legislation. He was phones and the completion of Metro elected as Vice-President in 1992 Rail Transit contributed vibrant and President of the Philippine activity to the economy. (Yap, 2001; Republic in 1998. However, Abinales and Amoroso, 2005). assuming the office was tainted with The economic and governance controversy of different sorts. improvement was short-lived, since To promote economic growth Philippine politics are marred with and political stability. In 1999, anomalous "mafia style" alliance. Estrada with the approval of the Estrada's proposal for the next series Congress deemed that to destroy of reforms needed to sustain militant acts of the Moro Liberation economic recovery was refused by Front camps and the takeover of the House of Congress. Moreover, Jolo Island, American military issues on government costly war in expertise and the reestablishment of Mindanao; the accusation of their bases are necessary in the aid government connivance on illegal of the campaign. In addition, Estrada activities; resignation of his cabinet gave his cabinet secretaries members, particularly Vice- autonomy to manage their office President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, where despite of financial who called for Estrada's resignation; constraints, the Development of and the withdrawal of alliance by Agrarian Reform, Bureau of some political personalities led to Immigration, Civil Service Estrada's downfall (Nadeau, 2008; Commission, and Bureau of Rivera, 2011; Abinales and Treasury performed credibly Amoroso, 2005). (Abinales and Amoroso, 2005). The collapse of Estrada's political The political commitment of the career gain momentum in October Estrada administration provided of 2000 when trapo politician turned positive growth in the Philippine protagonist Luis Chavit Singson, economy, particularly the export upon learning that Estrada planned and import industry. The agricultural to set up a bingo network to rival his sector, although with decelerated jueteng (illegal lottery) movement provided a growth higher organization, publicly reported that compared to the historical trend. The Estrada received an amount of 414 electronic sector (electrical million pesos as bribes from illegal machinery) had the most gambling, skimming funds from
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19 American Journal of Research www.journalofresearch.us ¹ 11-12, November-December 2018 [email protected] tobacco excise tax and other corrupt Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (2001- practices that rival politicians 2010) deemed ground for impeachment. Gloria Arroyo was the daughter Before the end of October 2000, of the former President Diosdado Estrada was already demanded to Macapagal. She studied economics resign by the Catholic Church, civil at Georgetown University in U.S. society groups, political parties and and earned her Ph.D. in economics private sector business clubs at the University of the Philippines. (Abinales and Amoroso, 2005; From 1977 to 1987, she served as Queribin et al, 2003). an assistant professor at Ateneo de The House of Congress passed the Manila University and as a professor articles of impeachment to the at the University of the Philippines. Senate turning the Senate as an A member of political elite and impeachment court with Chief her personal credential made her Justice Hilario Davide, Jr as the even popular and credible to unite presiding officer and the senators as diverse political and economic judges. Estrada was charged with ideology of the country based from plunder, graft and corruption. The her educational attainment. Arroyo political turmoil affected vehemently served as assistant secretary and the economic activities of the country undersecretary during the presidency where the value of the peso depreciated of Corazon Aquino at the and the stock market continued to sink. Department of Trade and Industry In January 2001, Estrada became the and as Cabinet secretary of Social first president to be impeached or Welfare and Development during the resigned as the armed forces withdrew presidency of Joseph Estrada. In its support, the growing civil unrest 1992, she was elected senator and dubbed as Epifanio De Los Santos elected Vice-President in 1998. In Avenue (EDSA) 2 which is shrouded 2001, she replaced Estrada after a with controversy where citizens coup de tat dubbed as People received text messages from their Power 2 (Sicat, 2001; Abinales and cellular phones, persuading people to Amoroso, 2005). gather at EDSA to protest led to the Arroyo replacing Estrada and government takeover by Vice- taking over the government was President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo faced by the following major and was declared by Supreme Chief political and economic issues: One Justice Hilario Davide, Jr, as is to assure the people who rallied constitutional successor of Joseph behind the ouster of Estrada that her Estrada. However, the declaration and governance is for the promotion of ouster was marred with much Filipino's welfare. Second, the foreboding, clouded with doubt and handling of Estrada's case, where his tarnished with signs of deceit and constituents are the poor. Third, betrayal (Queribin et al, 2003; Rivera, some of Estrada's loyal political allies 2011, Batalla, 2016). were elected officials in the Senate
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20 American Journal of Research www.journalofresearch.us ¹ 11-12, November-December 2018 [email protected] and Congress making them a threat media outfits the Young Officers to Arroyo's legislative agenda. Union of the New Generation Fourth, economic vitality and (YOUng) and the Reformists recovery was far more important Armed Forces of the Philippines and the needed reforms for (RFAP) claimed responsibility for Philippine economy since the the blast. The discovery of military country are faced with fuel hikes and participation led to the immediate depreciation of peso (Yap, 2001). replacement of top ranking officials Arroyo's governance were littered of the Scout Rangers and Marines with corruption and political (Nadeau, 2008; Batalla, 2016). scandals. She faced serious challenges The most severe of them all which including destabilization and still haunts her credibility as political impeachment attempts whom she leader was the Hello Garci scandal survived these challenges and ended which implicated Arroyo in electoral her term in June 2010. "People fraud. The controversy surrounded Power 2" was the first hurdle of on the issue when an audio President Arroyo after Estrada's recording leaked asserting to reveal arrest in 2001. For two days Arroyo on the phone with Election supporters of Estrada attempted to Commissioner Garcillano talking replicate People Power 1 and 2. about paddling her vote margin. The Marked by riots and vandalism; scandal led to the withdrawal of People Power 3 ended support from former President unsuccessfully on May 1 after the Corazon Aquino to members of the mid-term general election it Arroyo Cabinet and Liberal Party strengthened Arroyo's hold on allies in Congress. The scandal led government (Abinales and opposition to pursue legal channels Amoroso, 2005). for removing her from the office. Moreover, on 2003 occurred the From 2005 to 2008, impeachment Oakwood Mutiny, in which some complaints were filed at the House military members seized a luxury of Representatives (Batalla, 2016; serviced apartment facility in protest. Rood, 2010). The Magdalo group rallied against In terms of Arroyo's because of alleged anomalies in the administration of the economy, the Armed Forces of the Philippines. In country showed a significant rise with 2007, armed military officers being the following reasons and indicators: tried for their involvement of the increase in remittance from Oakwood mutiny laid siege at the Filipino's working abroad; the Manila Peninsula after they walked enactment of the Electric Power out of the trial held at the Makati Industry Reform Act which helped Regional Trial Court. On February alleviate National Power 2006 bombs exploded in different Corporation, a government-owned places in Metro Manila. In an engaged in power generation and unsigned statement faxed to the distribution, financial woes by
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21 American Journal of Research www.journalofresearch.us ¹ 11-12, November-December 2018 [email protected] generating a net income of close to 2010 presidential election replacing 90 billion pesos from 2005 to 2006; Liberal Party bet Mar Roxas, who the Arroyo administration adopted became his vice-presidential running revenue enhancing reforms: first, mate as a result of the changes. government procurement were The governance of Aquino III is streamlined, which resulted a criticize as a man pushed by fate and substantial savings; second, revenue media gimmickry to the presidency. administration at the Bureau of From 2010 until 2016 his presidency Internal Revenue (BIR) and the faced controversy which usually Bureau of Customs was misuse of funds or the loss of lives. strengthened; and third, reform in As demanded by general public his value added tax law which resulted stands are considered vague or in the increase of tax revenues. nothing at all. Although the economic activity was There are three controversial booming, poverty and hunger was issues which draws national and on the rise, economic growth were international criticism which not broadly shared by most Filipinos. adversely affected the political The poverty rate had gone up by career of Aquino III both present about 40 per cent, and social and future: indicator such as education, health, Manila Hostage Crisis. In August and domestic unemployment and 2010, eight Hong Kong tourists were underemployment remained killed by a former police officer troubling, the inability to curb social Rolando Mendoza, after a failed problems was due to debt servicing rescue attempt supervise by Aquino which consumed more than 25 per himself causing a strained ties cent of national budget in 2002 between Philippines and Hong Kong. (Hays, 2008; Abinales and The former police was reported Amoroso, 2005; Batalla, 2016). furious about his dismissal on corruption charges and demands Benigno Simeon Aquino III compensation at gunpoint. (2010-2016) The relatives and the victims The 15th President of the considered the handling of the Philippines comes from the political President as lacking of empathy, the elites of Tarlac and bourgeois society. criticism comes after Aquino III The son of Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino appeared smiling during the press and Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino. conference following the incident Aquino III started his political (Chan, 2015). The hostage crisis career when he served as enrage the Hong Kong government Representative of the 2nd District and its citizens. It issued a travel ban of Tarlac from 1998 to 2007. In May order and urged Hong Kong citizens 2007, he joined the Philippine visiting Philippines to leave the Senate. After the death of his country. The disappointment of mother he declared to ran for the Hong Kong led the Aquino
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22 American Journal of Research www.journalofresearch.us ¹ 11-12, November-December 2018 [email protected] administration a high-stake blame Development headed by an game centered on the police, the insensitive Dinky Soliman was press and the President. Moreover, implicated of an alleged pilferage of it was also reported that Filipinos relief donations, since thousands of working in Hong Kong were racially survivors reported that they struggled attacked by their employers and with hunger, chaos and disease. some citizens (Rauhala, 2015; Moreover, in a post-disaster joint Calonzo, 2015). committee hearing of Congress Typhoon Yolanda Aftermath. In featured Tacloban Mayor Alfred November 2013, a super typhoon Romualdez. The inquiry also called wreak havoc across the central DILG Secretary Manuel Roxas to Philippines and killing 6,3000 give testimony, but did not attend. people, 14 billion dollars of Romualdez declares to the economic damages and 2.5 million committee the reasons for the people in urgent need of meagerness of action which led to humanitarian relief. A day before the the intention of the United Nation landfall of the typhoon, Aquino III to take manage the crisis: First, assured the nation that they are Roxas repeatedly refused to grant for prepared and relief goods were pre- additional police personnel to keep positioned in the areas expected to the peace in Tacloban, and for be hit, as the typhoon landed after trucks to help in the recovery of Aquino's promise of planes, ship the bodies and debris clearance. and relief supplies never Second, Roxas told Romualdez to materialized forcing people to loot write a letter signifying that he could and rummage for food. The extent no longer perform his duties as of devastation and the harrowing mayor, so the DILG could takeover. stories of survival and loss captured Third. Roxas told Romualdez that by the local and international media he could not be given help because was tearful. Together with the he was a Romualdez, and the howling sorrow, anger and President is an Aquino. Romualdez frustration made the victims to pour proved his allegations by providing a their outrage to the poor leadership video-recorded conversation of Aquino III. It shows that the between him and Roxas, a proof that politics of Aquino III is disastrous the Aquino III played politics in the and that magnifying his association middle of emergency (Makabenta, to his father's nationalistic ideology 2013). is nothing but a media gimmick Mamasapano Tragedy. Aquino (Ramos, 2014, Heydarian, 2017). III embroiled in a controversial death The response of the government of forty-four Philippine National draws a heavy criticism not only Police-Special Action Force (PNP- locally but including the SAF) and others during an ant- international community, where the terrorism mission in Mindanao. Department of Social Welfare and Aquino was primarily blamed for
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23 American Journal of Research www.journalofresearch.us ¹ 11-12, November-December 2018 [email protected] letting suspended police chief Alan for the growth is because there are Purisima actively participate the approximately 2.4 million overseas mission despite his suspension over Filipino workers most of them are graft charges. As a result of their contract-based. The IT-BPO industry irresponsibility Aquino is facing graft also served an important source of and usurpation of authority while employment and foreign exchange then PNP-SAF commander revenues. These industries include Napelas and Purisima are facing call centers, transcription, software charges of usurpation of public development and animation leading functions and graft before the to the rise of revenue and Sandiganbayan (Jose, 2018; employment (Batalla, 2016). In Ballaran, 2017). overall perspective on the economy Moreover, according to Sicat during the Aquino presidency, (2016) the economic performance according to Lopez (2016) that of Aquino III administration can be Filipino consumers, not the evaluated in varied ways. One way is economic planners and economists evaluating the overall growth, fiscal of Aquino, are responsible for the and monetary policy, trade strong growth of the economy. payments and investment. Second is Economic growth would still be seen to point out deficiencies and gaps and even higher without Aquino. in performance. Rodrigo Duterte: Local to The macro-economic perfor- National Strongman mance under his term recorded an President Rodrigo Roa Duterte impressive activity between 2010 becomes the 16th President of the and 2015. Economic has been fastest Republic of the Philippines after a in the secondary and tertiary sectors, landslide victory with 16.6 million especially financial intermediation, votes. He is the first from Mindanao, construction, real estate, and the first local chief executive to manufacturing, transportation and get elected straight to the Office of communication, trade industries. the President. However, agriculture registered a Rodrigo Duterte's rise from being disappointing performance (Batalla, a mayor of Davao City to running 2016; Sicat, 2016). the entire country is a feat not only The growth in domestic demand to himself but to the manner of how has been fuelled by overseas Filipino chose its leaders. A huge remittances as well as the expansion radical change to the way Filipino of the information technology and reflects the future. Duterte business process outsourcing (IT- strategically place himself in the BPO) industries. Remittances from mindset of the Fili pino being the abroad amounted to almost 25 candidate to spend the least for the million US dollars in 2015, where campaign, no national political the Philippine Statistics Authority post, what he have are stories of survey estimates found the reason Davao's almost cigarette ban,
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24 American Journal of Research www.journalofresearch.us ¹ 11-12, November-December 2018 [email protected] fireworks are not allowed, curfew, gained favorable momentum to alleged Davao death squad, Duterte Duterte's political agenda which is driving his motorcycle roaming pleasing to people from various around the city at night and other social class. It resonates among the illegal activities that in most part of public who recognizes threat and the country blatantly operates. fear that deters individual to name Duterte's unusual political style and shame personalities in the illegal earned glaring him satisfaction and trade particularly, vend of shabu trust ratings despite of outrageous (crystal methamphetamine). tirades ranging from Barack Obama, The most controversial project Holocaust to Pope Francis still which generated much attention draws a number of defenders. As an locally and international community effect varying views emerge in social is the war on drugs which claimed a media conversation resulting to the thousand of deaths alleged to be phenomena of Dutertards and the involved in a drug trade. Most opposition are labelled as dilawan Fili pinos are divided on the issue who both heatedly exchange rants where some considered that the war online. In the analysis of Professor on drugs that led to the deaths and Maboloc to the governance of imprisonment of thousands of Duterte, he emphasized that though individuals as a result of their some sectors in the society castigate involvement with the illegal drug Duterte's governance style, he trade and abuse are justified, that remains popular among Filipinos they deserved to be killed. While because he is depicted as a President others are banking on the notion that who possesses a strong leadership justice must not be coupled with compared to the previous presidents, killings and people who are identified particularly Aquino's III inept and involved in the drug trade deserves weak leadership (Maboloc, 2018). due process. Duterte when he was War on Drugs still seeking his presidency and as The prevalent selling and abuse President in his speeches pledge to of illegal drugs are not only features wipe out drug trafficking and of newscasts, tabloids and films but addiction which entails a price at the they are enmeshed into the daily expense of Justitiatoremain blind activities from gated communities folded. In addition, the International and to people living in slums, favelas Criminal Court and the United and so on, even before Duterte run Nations Human Rights Council and becomes a President. The launched an investigation of alleged recurring problem of illegal drugs violation against human rights. abuse and trade brought distress to The reproach on Duterte's family relations, to security and infamous war on drugs comes after safety, and to bureaucracy. It is in a glaring increase of people killed in this context and Duterte's loathe what the Philippine National Police over the menace of illegal drug trade (PNP) describes as lawful anti-drug
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25 American Journal of Research www.journalofresearch.us ¹ 11-12, November-December 2018 [email protected] operations, alleging the suspects influence, particularly America. fought back during raids (nanlaban). Duterte's opting for China and Russia Aside from PNP, there are also openly as economic and political reported of unidentified assailants partner's boosted trade and throughout the country, killing drug investment at the same time related personalities. The deteriorates relation with the U.S., Commission of Human Rights in the some European countries, and the Philippines blatantly implicated Middle East which some critics Duterte for the callous war on drugs considered the move as risky, where some innocent civilians are making the Philippines indebted, also targeted, which Duterte would particularly to China whose loan- claimed as collateral damage. For diplomacy needs to be considered Duterte illegal drug users and sellers for the future of the Philippine are beyond redemption, economy. As the relation with rehabilitation is no longer a viable Western community sours some pro- option. Most victim's guilt are American/Western politician in the assumed based from their criminal Philippines had been lambasted by records, community status, Duterte reminding everyone not to exterminating them is the only sacrifice the country's dignity just to possible solution (Thompson, 2016). save foreign aids which stirred a Moreover, the hard stance of nationalist sentiments among the Duterte on war against drugs is Filipinos. coming from the idea that as a leader There are provocative full- it is his duty to protect public order mouthed statements that contributes and that whether it is perceive moral to the tangy relation both local and or immoral it is no longer Duterte's foreign communities for what concern. Duterte's critics with the Duterte considered a response for Oplan Tokhang comes in the form meddling in his style of governing of either religious blunder, human the country: rights activists or the disillusionment First, Duterte's callous comment of media (Maboloc, 2018).The on the rape and murder of an bloody war on drugs may Australian missionary. The comment consternates advocates of human occurred during Duterte's election rights, rule of law, and due process campaign in Quezon City in a but to Duterte it is the only urgent crowded sports complex. He narrated solution to purge society from the the story of the Davao City prison latent yet publicize social cancer siege where Jaqueline Hamill was that could derogate the country. raped and was brutally murdered. Diplomacy After the siege, knowing that Another issue that has taken its everyone had lined up to rape her, toll to Duterte's presidency is his he jokingly told the crowd that the foreign diplomacy. The tendency to mayor should have been the first. isolate the Philippines from Western After that incident a series of crass
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26 American Journal of Research www.journalofresearch.us ¹ 11-12, November-December 2018 [email protected] joke came to emerge ranging from sexual drives. Kant would further ordering military to shoot claimed that if this conflict of reason communist guerrilla in their vagina, is not resolved skepticism would that the reason for growing number dominate. of rape case in Davao because there Second, calling U.S. President are many beautiful women in Barack Obama as 'son of a whore' and Davao, owning a sex tape of 'black and arrogant' which Obama politician Leila De Lima to calling cancelled the supposed meeting her daughter as drama queen for during the Association of South-East confessing that she was a victim of Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit sexual assault. which Duterte admitted the The misguided machismo of comments comes after having Duterte drew fury from rape victims known that some U.S. politicians and and women rights activists describing officials are attacking his notorious it as an irresponsible chauvinism and war on drugs campaign. Duterte misogyny, rather a form of freedom retaliated by cancelling the joint of expression which Duterte claimed. military exercise with the U.S. and Duterte's misogynist comment could reoriented alliance policy, upending be parallel to an Australia's most Asian geopolitics. senior Muslim cleric, Sheik Taj al- Recently President Duterte had Hilali causing a furor when he said: drawn favorable attention from U.S. "If you take uncovered meat and President Donald Trump expressing place it outside of the street-and the concern over the unfair treatment cats come and eat it... whose fault is of UN Commission for Human it-the cat's or the uncovered meat? Rights to the Philippine President The uncovered meat is the problem" Rodrigo Duterte. The action being the comment comes after a group taken by the UN is considered by of Muslim men had been jailed for Trump administration as bullying rape. tactics. Immanuel Kant developed the Duterte's constant pronounce- notion of antimony of pure reason ment of anti-U.S. and Western which suggest that individuals are ideologies can be drawn from his capable of constructing valid orientation of communism which he arguments for both sides. Thus, the pointed that Philippines historically rape jokes/comments of Duterte is had been treated unfairly by the U.S. coming from the argument that male and the culprit for the impoverished are helpless when faced by sexual condition of the country. In general temptation and that in a patriarchal his approached to foreign diplomacy society female are an object to sexual is not geared towards nepotism with desires. In contrast to this U.S. as previously held most past presumption is the argument that presidents and politicians. Duterte men are capable of sexual restraint, had launched curse-laden tirades to that male are not blind slave of their some world leaders and other
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27 American Journal of Research www.journalofresearch.us ¹ 11-12, November-December 2018 [email protected] international organization who immigration authorities at Los publicly maligned Duterte's political Angeles International Airport. and economic agenda for the Thus can be pointed that such Filipinos. frustration building up against Third, Duterte's continued effort United States that any criticism to justify the alliance to China and coming from the U.S. government Russia. According to Duterte in the Philippine affairs, a volley of partnership with Russia will help tirade and policy shift are expected the country's security and to follow. The outburst of Duterte is modernization of the military. Russia not simply because of misguided is more favorable than the U.S. moral principles but it is simply a because of the lack of political product of objective violence. conditions. He further claimed that Dutertenomics the move to build stronger ties with On handling the economic China and Russia was a necessary and growth, Duterte provided some key timely that befit the Filipino mind. indicators that would boost the In his visit to China, he made a economic activity. First is the statement by that his governance is implementation of the Tax Reform chartering a new course one of which for Acceleration and Inclusion is severing ties between U.S. and (TRAIN) Law, believing that the Philippines both in military and redesigning of the tax system would economics that he is to promote be fairer and more efficient over verve relation with China at the all, while also raising the needed expense of traditional alliances. resources to boost infrastructure and Duterte's anti-U.S. government to promote the welfare of the poor sentiments and redirecting of its and middle class. foreign policy to China and Russia As a result the government revenue are not simply rhetoric, an invention boosted by increasing levies on of Leftist orientation but cemented sugary drinks and oil products. The through his personal experience. One downside of such economic policy is the Michael Meiring incident, is the rise of inflation range which who during his term as mayor, the exceeded the government's target treasure hunter accidentally causing anxiety to the consumers triggered an explosive device despite particularly those with less spending of being held for investigation the power which concerns Duterte since U.S. Central Intelligence Agency the introduction of the tax reform is (CIA) help escape Meiring to geared towards the poor and to America which still at the present boost competitiveness. It is a annoys Duterte. Next is Duterte's challenge to "Dutertenomics" since contempt with the American it is built around the promise of immigration where he was denied inclusive growth. Moreover, visa to visit United States and later Duterte's economic managers had he claimed to be mistreated by responded to the issue by pointing
USA, Michigan Generalization of Scientific Results
28 American Journal of Research www.journalofresearch.us ¹ 11-12, November-December 2018 [email protected] that it is true that TRAIN Law a Asia, and capable of sustaining factor to inflation but the jump of decades of rapid agricultural growth. oil prices in the world market, weak Yet, despite of the potential, peso currency and the hoarding of development has been some rice traders and cartels were disappointing, missing almost the main culprits for the high rate completely on the Asian boom of inflation. Dutertenomics (Balisacan and Hill, 2003). emphasizes choice, giving taxpayer The manipulation of the greater control over how their powerful political-business oligarch hard-earned money is saved or spent that is enormously dominant in all (Lema, 2018). sectors of economy and politics Second is the "Build, Build, presently can be traced back during Build" flagship of Duterte which is the American colonial era. The expected to generate millions of jobs Americans co-opted local caciques by the end of his six-year term with into the newly formed political almost 5000 projects that are institutions and in time extending involved. According to the Philippine their local power base to provincial Information Agency, the 8.4 trillion and national level (de Dios and peso infrastructure modernization Hutchcroft,, 2003). program will served as a catalyst in The 21st century Philippine sustaining the economy's high politics and economy participates in growth trajectory and in the terminology of Slavoj phatic transforming it to a high-middle communication, devoid of moral income one by 2022 while lowering compass. The distress of political poverty incidence to 14 percent by anxiety and impossibility are taking that time. Moreover, the program to its toll waiting to erupt into an increase infrastructure in the country extensive unrest. The unnoticed is to provide access and distribution history of the country in the modern of wealth to the countryside. global discussion would fail to According to Finance Secretary understand Duterte's avowed hatred Carlos Dominguez III it will also on drug dealers and corruption help urban community to enjoy where majority of the Filipinos are lower prices of basic goods because forced to be silent. of the reduced costs of transporting The path of the 21st century and distributing them (build.gov.ph). political economy are gearing Conclusion towards blood and tribulation set by The Philippine economy and Duterte. The idea of concretely politics in its initial condition is uplifting the lives of the Filipino and favorable compared to other at the same time the economic developing world. The civil policies that are in placed are bloody institutions were well developed, one as Filipino plunge into what of the highest educational standards Kierkegaard describe that towards among the countries in Southeast depth of the unknown abyss anxiety
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29 American Journal of Research www.journalofresearch.us ¹ 11-12, November-December 2018 [email protected] and hope are indistinguishable. Hegel was correct that the path to enlightenment is through the movement of opposing ideals. Duterte may seem to be the answer to Filipino struggle and poverty but ?i?ek pointed that change need not to be bloody.
References
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