1.

Brand of Administration

The administration of President Corazon Aquino, which followed the landmark People
Power Revolution in 1986, was marked by a commitment to restoring democracy and
civil liberties in the Philippines. Championing human rights and the rule of law, Aquino's
presidency was defined by its advocacy for a democratic political system and economic
reform. Her government pursued deregulation, privatization, and liberalization to
stabilize the economy, while also initiating peace talks with various rebel groups to
address internal conflict. Despite the challenges faced, including political instability and
economic disparity, Aquino's administration laid the groundwork for the transition to a
democratic political system and set a precedent for future governance in the Philippines.

- Political Initiatives

1. Restoration of Democracy: Corazon Aquino's presidency was marked by the restoration

of democracy in the Philippines after the People Power Revolution of 1986, which led to
the ousting of Ferdinand Marcos. Her government implemented a new constitution in
1987, which aimed to establish a democratic political system, including the
decentralization of power, the establishment of a bicameral Congress, and the provision
of civil liberties.

Corazon Aquino's presidency was indeed marked by the restoration of democracy in the
Philippines after the People Power Revolution of 1986. The events leading up to her presidency
and the subsequent implementation of a new constitution in 1987 were pivotal moments in the
country's history. Here, I'll provide a detailed and comprehensive discussion about these
significant events.

Background:

The Philippines was under the rule of Ferdinand Marcos for more than two decades, from 1965
until 1986. His regime was marked by authoritarianism, human rights abuses, corruption, and
economic decline. The people of the Philippines grew increasingly dissatisfied with Marcos'
rule, which culminated in the assassination of opposition leader Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. in
1983 and the subsequent uprising of the people.

People Power Revolution:

The assassination of Ninoy Aquino Jr. in 1983 served as a catalyst for the opposition to Marcos'
regime. The Filipino people, led by Ninoy's widow, Corazon Aquino, began to organize and
mobilize against the dictatorship. The opposition, united under the banner of the United
Nationalist Democratic Organization (UNIDO), was able to garner support from various sectors
of society, including the military.
The turning point came on February 22-25, 1986, when a series of peaceful demonstrations,
known as the People Power Revolution, took place in Manila. The military, led by Defense
Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and Armed Forces Vice Chief of Staff Fidel V. Ramos, withdrew their
support for Marcos and joined the people in their call for his resignation. On February 25, 1986,
Marcos fled the Philippines and went into exile in Hawaii, marking the end of his regime.

Transition to Democracy:

Following Marcos' ousting, Corazon Aquino assumed the presidency, becoming the first female
president of the Philippines. Her presidency was marked by a commitment to restore
democracy, rebuild the nation, and address the challenges facing the country.

One of the first tasks of the Aquino administration was to draft a new constitution. The 1987
Constitution, also known as the "Freedom Constitution," was ratified on February 2, 1987, in a
nationwide plebiscite. The new constitution aimed to establish a democratic political system,
promote the rule of law, protect human rights, and decentralize power.

Key Provisions of the 1987 Constitution:

- Bicameral Congress: The 1987 Constitution established a bicameral Congress, consisting

of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate was composed of 24
senators elected at large, while the House of Representatives had a total of 250
members, 200 of whom were elected from legislative districts and 50 from party-list
organizations.
- Checks and Balances: The constitution provided for a system of checks and balances
between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government to prevent the
abuse of power. It also created independent constitutional commissions, such as the
Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), to
ensure the protection of civil liberties and human rights.
- Decentralization of Power: The 1987 Constitution decentralized power by granting local
government units (LGUs) greater autonomy and authority. It empowered LGUs to
manage their own affairs, raise their own revenues, and make decisions on matters
affecting their communities.
- Bill of Rights: The constitution included a Bill of Rights that guaranteed the protection of
individual liberties, such as the freedom of speech, religion, and assembly. It also
provided for the protection of property rights, due process, and equal protection under
the law.
- Term Limits: The constitution-imposed term limits on elected officials, including the
president, senators, and members of the House of Representatives. This was aimed at
preventing the concentration of power and promoting political accountability.

Legacy of the Aquino Presidency:

Corazon Aquino's presidency and the restoration of democracy marked a new era in Philippine
history. The 1987 Constitution laid the foundation for a democratic political system, which has
endured to this day. Aquino's commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law left
a lasting impact on the Philippines, inspiring future generations of Filipinos to fight for their
rights and uphold democratic values.

2. Peace Process: Aquino's administration-initiated peace talks with various rebel groups,
including the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the New People's Army (NPA).
The 1987 Constitution provided for the establishment of an autonomous region in
Muslim Mindanao, which was realized through the Organic Act for the Autonomous
Region in Muslim Mindanao (RA 6734) in 1989.

The 1987 Constitution included provisions for the establishment of an autonomous region in
Muslim Mindanao, a move aimed at addressing the longstanding issue of Muslim separatism
and rebellion in the region.

The Aquino administration-initiated peace talks with various rebel groups, including the Moro
National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the New People's Army (NPA), with the aim of resolving
the armed conflicts that had plagued the country for decades. The government's efforts
culminated in the signing of the Organic Act for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
(RA 6734) in 1989, which laid the legal framework for the creation of the Autonomous Region in
Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The ARMM was established in 1990 and initially consisted of four provinces: Lanao del Sur,
Maguindanao, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. The creation of the ARMM was intended to provide the
Muslim-majority areas of Mindanao with a greater degree of autonomy, allowing them to
govern themselves in certain areas such as education, health, and culture, while still remaining
part of the Philippines.

The establishment of the ARMM was seen as a significant step towards addressing the
grievances of the Muslim community in Mindanao and promoting peace and stability in the
region. However, the ARMM also faced challenges, including issues related to governance,
corruption, and the implementation of its autonomy.

Overall, the establishment of the ARMM was a key initiative of the Aquino administration in its
efforts to address the root causes of conflict in Mindanao and promote peace and development
in the region. While the ARMM has faced challenges over the years, it remains an important
institution in the Philippines' efforts to achieve lasting peace in Mindanao.

- Economic Policy
 1. Deregulation and Privatization: Aquino's administration pursued deregulation and
privatization to reduce government intervention in the economy, encourage
competition, and improve the efficiency of industries. This included the privatization of
state-owned enterprises, such as Philippine Airlines and Philippine National Bank.

One of the major initiatives of Aquino's economic policy was the privatization of state-owned
enterprises (SOEs). This included the sale of assets and equity shares in various industries, such
as Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Philippine National Bank (PNB). The goal was to improve the
performance and efficiency of these companies by subjecting them to market discipline and
competition. By privatizing SOEs, the government aimed to reduce the financial burden of
subsidizing these enterprises and allow them to operate more efficiently under private
ownership.

Telecommunications:
During Aquino's presidency, the telecommunications sector underwent significant deregulation.
One of the notable changes was the privatization of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone
Company (PLDT) in 1990. Prior to privatization, PLDT was a state-owned enterprise, but
Aquino's government decided to sell a significant portion of its shares to private investors,
including the First Pacific Company Limited. This moves not only reduced government
intervention but also allowed for increased competition and innovation in the
telecommunications sector.

Transportation:
In the transportation sector, Aquino's administration took steps to deregulate the airline
industry. The government issued Executive Order No. 219 in 1987, which lifted restrictions on
the entry of foreign airlines into the Philippines. This deregulation aimed to encourage
competition and improve the quality of air travel by allowing foreign carriers to operate in the
country. Additionally, Aquino's administration privatized the flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL)
in 1992. This involved selling a majority stake in PAL to private investors, including the Lucio Tan
Group, which led to a significant restructuring of the airline and increased competition in the
aviation sector.

Utilities:
Aquino's government also pursued deregulation in the utilities sector. One example was the
deregulation of the power industry, which began with the passage of Republic Act No. 7160,
also known as the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 1991. The EPIRA aimed to
promote competition and encourage private investment in the power sector by allowing private
companies to generate and distribute electricity. This deregulation led to the establishment of
new power plants and improved the reliability of electricity supply in the Philippines.

2. Trade Liberalization: Aquino's administration also pursued trade liberalization, reducing

tariffs and barriers to trade to increase international trade and investment. This
included the ratification of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) in 1987
and the establishment of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in 1989.
 3. Fiscal Responsibility: Aquino's administration pursued fiscal responsibility, implementing
tax reforms and fiscal discipline to reduce budget deficits and inflation. This included the
passage of the Tax Reform Act of 1992, which simplified the tax system, broadened the
tax base, and improved tax administration.

4. CARP and Agrarian Reform: One of the major economic policies of Aquino's
administration was the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program
(CARP). This program aimed to distribute land to landless farmers, enhance agricultural
productivity, and reduce rural poverty. However, the implementation of CARP faced
challenges, including resistance from landowners and insufficient support services for
agrarian reform beneficiaries.

- Foreign Relations Policy

1. Diplomatic Relations: Aquino's administration pursued a policy of promoting diplomatic

relations with other countries, including the United States, Japan, and ASEAN countries.
This included strengthening economic and security ties with these countries and
promoting regional cooperation through organizations such as ASEAN.

2. Human Rights: Aquino's administration also pursued a policy of promoting human

rights, both domestically and internationally. This included supporting international
efforts to promote human rights, such as the United Nations Declaration on Human
Rights, and addressing human rights violations in the Philippines, such as extrajudicial
killings and disappearances.

3. ASEAN: Aquino's administration also played an active role in ASEAN, promoting regional
cooperation and integration. This included participating in the establishment of the
ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), as well as
promoting economic, political, and security cooperation among ASEAN member states.

2. 3 Issues confronted by the said Administration. Provide short narrative about it

Economic Instability: When Aquino took office, the Philippine economy was in crisis. The
country was burdened with a large external debt, inflation was high, and there was a lack of
foreign investment. The assassination of Aquino's husband, Benigno Aquino Jr., in 1983 had led
to widespread protests and political turmoil, which further destabilized the economy. Aquino's
presidency saw a series of economic reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy, including
deregulation, privatization, and liberalization. These policies helped to improve economic
stability and growth, but they also led to increased inequality and social unrest.

While these policies aimed to stabilize the economy and promote growth, they also contributed
to increased inequality and social unrest in several ways.
Impact on Labor and Employment: Deregulation and privatization led to a more competitive
business environment, which often resulted in job losses and wage cuts. In the transportation
sector, for example, the deregulation of the domestic airline industry led to the closure of some
smaller airlines and job losses for their employees. Similarly, privatization in other sectors, such
as telecommunications and utilities, also resulted in downsizing and layoffs. As a result, many
workers faced unemployment or lower wages, contributing to social unrest.

Impact on Income Distribution: The economic reforms implemented during Aquino's presidency
contributed to increased income inequality. Privatization, for example, often favored wealthy
investors who could afford to purchase shares of state-owned enterprises, while leaving
ordinary citizens with limited access to these opportunities. Moreover, the benefits of
economic growth were not evenly distributed, with wealthier individuals and corporations
benefiting more from the policies than lower-income households. This widening income gap
fueled social tensions and unrest.

Impact on Social Services: The reduction of government intervention in certain sectors, such as
healthcare and education, had a negative impact on the provision of social services.
Privatization of state-owned hospitals and schools led to higher fees and reduced access for
low-income families. Similarly, deregulation of utilities often resulted in higher prices for basic
services like electricity and water, which disproportionately affected low-income households.
As a result, many Filipinos struggled to afford essential services, leading to social discontent.

Impact on Agriculture: While the Aquino administration focused on promoting industrial and
service sectors, little attention was given to the agricultural sector, which employed a significant
portion of the population. This neglect contributed to the decline of rural areas and increased
poverty among farmers and agricultural workers. The government's failure to address the
needs of rural communities led to social unrest and the emergence of rebel groups, such as the
New People's Army (NPA), which sought to address agrarian issues through armed struggle.

Resolve:
Job Creation and Labor Policies: To address unemployment and job losses resulting from
deregulation and privatization, the government can implement targeted job creation programs.
This includes investing in infrastructure projects, expanding the manufacturing sector, and
promoting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Additionally, labor policies can be
revised to ensure fair wages, job security, and social protection for workers affected by
economic reforms.

Progressive Taxation and Social Welfare Programs: To address income inequality, the
government can implement progressive taxation policies, where higher-income individuals and
corporations are taxed at a higher rate. Revenue generated from progressive taxation can then
be used to fund social welfare programs, such as healthcare, education, and housing, which
benefit low-income households. Additionally, targeted cash transfer programs can be
implemented to provide direct assistance to vulnerable populations.
Agricultural Reform and Rural Development: To address the neglect of the agricultural sector,
the government can implement comprehensive agricultural reform programs. This includes
redistributing land to small-scale farmers, providing access to credit and technical support, and
investing in agricultural infrastructure. Additionally, rural development programs can be
implemented to create employment opportunities and improve living standards in rural areas.

Access to Basic Services: To address the high prices of basic services resulting from
deregulation, the government can regulate essential services to ensure affordable prices for
consumers. This includes regulating utility prices, healthcare fees, and education costs.
Additionally, the government can invest in public infrastructure to improve access to basic
services, such as electricity, water, and transportation.

Addressing Agrarian Issues: To address agrarian issues and reduce rural poverty, the
government can implement comprehensive agrarian reform programs. This includes
redistributing land to landless farmers, providing access to credit and technical support, and
investing in agricultural infrastructure. Additionally, the government can implement rural
development programs to create employment opportunities and improve living standards in
rural areas.

Strengthening Social Cohesion and Inclusion: To address social unrest, the government can
promote social cohesion and inclusion through policies that promote social justice and equal
opportunities for all citizens. This includes promoting respect for human rights, addressing
historical injustices, and promoting cultural diversity. Additionally, the government can
implement targeted programs to address the needs of marginalized groups, such as indigenous
peoples, women, and persons with disabilities.

Political Challenges: Aquino's presidency was also marked by political challenges, including
opposition from powerful factions within the military, the communist New People's Army
(NPA), and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Mindanao. Aquino faced several coup
attempts during her presidency, the most serious of which was the 1989 coup attempt led by
Gregorio Honasan. The coup attempt was eventually put down, but it highlighted the ongoing
political instability in the country.

One of the most serious political challenges during Aquino's presidency was the series of coup
attempts. The most notable of these was the 1989 coup attempt led by Colonel Gregorio
"Gringo" Honasan, a former military aide to Aquino's predecessor, Ferdinand Marcos. The coup
attempt took place on December 1, 1989, and involved around 3,000 soldiers who seized key
installations, including military camps, radio and television stations, and airports, in Metro
Manila.

Aquino's government quickly responded by mobilizing loyal military units and supporters,
including civilians and religious groups, to counter the coup. The crisis lasted for several days,
resulting in a significant number of casualties, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
However, Aquino ultimately prevailed, and the coup was defeated, leading to the arrest of
Honasan and other coup leaders.

The 1989 coup attempt was not an isolated incident. Aquino faced multiple coup attempts
throughout her presidency, including the 1987 coup attempt led by Colonel Oscar Canlas and
the 1988 coup attempt led by Colonel Alexander Noble. These coup attempts were fueled by
various factors, including dissatisfaction with Aquino's leadership, perceived corruption within
the government, and ideological differences.

Apart from the military challenges, Aquino's presidency was also marked by ongoing conflict
with insurgent groups like the NPA and the MNLF. The NPA, a communist guerrilla organization,
continued its armed struggle against the government throughout Aquino's presidency. The
MNLF, a separatist group seeking an independent Muslim state in Mindanao, also engaged in
sporadic clashes with government forces.

Aquino's efforts to address these political challenges included pursuing peace talks with the
MNLF and the NPA. In 1986, Aquino signed a peace agreement with the MNLF, leading to the
creation of an autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao. However, the peace agreement did not
fully resolve the conflict, and sporadic fighting continued between government forces and
MNLF remnants.

Similarly, Aquino initiated peace talks with the NPA, but these efforts were met with limited
success. The NPA continued its insurgency, targeting government forces and engaging in
extortion and other criminal activities.

Resolve:
Immediate Measures to Reduce Violence:
a. Ceasefire and Peace Agreements: Facilitate ceasefire agreements between the government
and the MNLF and NPA. This could be achieved through international mediation, confidence-
building measures, and the establishment of monitoring mechanisms.
b. Humanitarian Access: Ensure unhindered access to humanitarian aid for conflict-affected
communities. This includes providing food, water, healthcare, and protection to civilians,
especially in areas with ongoing fighting.
c. Conflict Monitoring and Reporting: Establish a comprehensive monitoring and reporting
system to track incidents of violence, human rights abuses, and violations of the ceasefire. This
could involve local, national, and international organizations working together to collect and
analyze data.
d. Disarmament and Demobilization: Create programs to disarm and demobilize combatants,
including the provision of alternative livelihoods and psychosocial support. This could involve
international assistance and expertise in DDR (disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration).
Long-Term Strategies to Address Root Causes:
a. Socio-Economic Development: Implement targeted development programs in conflict-
affected areas to address poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunities. This could involve
investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and agriculture, as well as job creation and
skills training.
b. Political Participation and Representation: Ensure meaningful political participation and
representation of marginalized groups, including indigenous peoples, women, and youth. This
could involve electoral reforms, decentralization of political power, and affirmative action
measures.
c. Rule of Law and Human Rights: Strengthen the rule of law and human rights protections,
including reforms to the justice system, establishment of mechanisms for accountability and
redress, and promotion of human rights education and awareness.
d. Reconciliation and Social Cohesion: Promote reconciliation and social cohesion through
dialogue, community-based peacebuilding initiatives, and cultural exchange programs. This
could involve the participation of religious leaders, traditional leaders, and civil society
organizations.
e. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Align conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts
with the SDGs to ensure that they contribute to sustainable development and long-term peace
and stability. This could involve integrating peacebuilding objectives into national development
plans and donor coordination mechanisms.
International Cooperation and Support:
a. Diplomatic and Political Support: Seek international support for peacebuilding efforts through
diplomatic initiatives, multilateral forums, and regional organizations. This could involve
engaging with neighboring countries, the United Nations, and other international partners to
provide political support and assistance.
b. Humanitarian Assistance: Mobilize humanitarian assistance from international donors and
organizations to address the immediate needs of conflict-affected communities. This could
involve coordinating with UN agencies, NGOs, and other humanitarian actors to provide
emergency relief and support to vulnerable populations.
c. Technical Expertise and Capacity Building: Seek technical expertise and capacity-building
support from international partners to strengthen the capacity of national institutions and civil
society organizations. This could involve training programs, knowledge exchange, and technical
assistance in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and development.

Peace and National Unity: Aquino's presidency also faced challenges related to peace and
national unity. The Philippines has a long history of internal conflict, including the communist
insurgency in rural areas and the Moro separatist movement in Mindanao. Aquino's
government pursued peace talks with both groups, but progress was slow. The government
signed a ceasefire agreement with the MNLF in 1987, but the peace process was not fully
implemented until the passage of the Organic Act for the Autonomous Region in Muslim
Mindanao (RA 6734) in 1989. The peace process with the NPA was even more challenging, and
no comprehensive agreement was reached during Aquino's presidency.

MNLF Peace Process:

- Aquino's administration engaged in peace negotiations with the MNLF, leading to the
signing of a ceasefire agreement in 1987.
 - The Organic Act for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (RA 6734) was passed
in 1989 to provide a legal framework for the establishment of an autonomous region in
Muslim Mindanao, which was a key demand of the MNLF.
- The government allowed the MNLF's political party, the United Bangsamoro Justice
Party, to participate in the elections for the Regional Legislative Assembly in 1989, which
was seen as a step towards empowering the Bangsamoro people.
- The administration also implemented development programs in conflict-affected areas
to address the root causes of the conflict and improve the socio-economic conditions of
the affected communities.

NPA Peace Process:

- Aquino declared a ceasefire with the NPA in 1986 and initiated peace talks with the
communist rebels. However, the talks stalled due to disagreements over the release of
political prisoners and the implementation of land reform.
- The NPA continued its insurgency, prompting the Aquino administration to pursue a
counterinsurgency campaign, which included military operations and the use of
paramilitary forces.
- Despite efforts to negotiate a peace agreement, a comprehensive peace accord with the
NPA was not achieved during Aquino's presidency.

Military Operations:
- Aquino's administration implemented military operations against both the MNLF and
NPA to address the security threats posed by the armed rebel groups.
- While these operations resulted in the capture of key rebel leaders and the weakening
of the rebel forces, they also led to human rights abuses and increased civilian
casualties.

Political Initiatives:
- Aquino's government pursued political initiatives aimed at addressing the grievances of
the MNLF and NPA, such as the establishment of an autonomous region in Muslim
Mindanao and the implementation of land reform.
- The administration also engaged in dialogue with civil society organizations and other
stakeholders to promote peace and national unity.

References:
http://www.coryaquino.ph/coryaquino/assets/images/FoundationforPolicyMaking.pdf