Post Marcos Politics: A Geographical and Statistical Analysis of the 1992 Presidential Election

Journal of Third World Studies, Spring 1999 by Biedzynski, James

While Fidel Ramos provided solid leadership during his Presidency, he ultimately displayed indications that he wanted to prolong his tenure as did Manuel Quezon and Ferdinand Marcos. Thus the ghosts of Partyless Democracy and the New Society linger to the chagrin of many Filipinos. Demonstrations against an extended Ramos administration in the fall of 1997 indicated Filipinos feared another Marcos regime was in the making. At the same time, they seem uncertain as far as what they want from their leaders.

It is my belief that the Philippines is rather disoriented at the close of the twentieth century. The special relationship with the United States is gone and Washington is not terribly concerned with what happens in Manila. Filipinos have been traumatized by years of Marcos and six years of the roller coaster Aquino regime, whose main achievement was to survive-and serve out its term. Ramos offered some respite from these things but in the end he too seemed tempted by power. So, can the Philippines find talented and honest leaders who will not attempt to establish a dynasty and leave office when their term expires? There might be such leaders in the Philippines, but the 1992 election has not provided a useful yardstick for them to find their way.

James Biedzynski

Ocean County College