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What is to be done?

In July 2005, the Philippines faced a deep political crisis with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (GMA) embroiled in controversy due to allegations of election fraud and corruption. This article outlines the current political landscape, the varying public sentiments towards GMA, and the calls for her resignation. It discusses potential solutions, including impeachment and establishing a Truth Commission, and emphasizes the need for meaningful reform in electoral and political systems. The article encourages dialogue and collective action to create a sustainable political future.

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What is to be done?

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  1. What is to be done? … the Philippines confronts yet another political crisis, July 2005

  2. Outline • Introduction: perspective • Part 1: Where are we? • Part 2: What is to be done? • Part 3: Where do we want to go?

  3. Introduction: Perspective • Political landscapes • Critical junctures shifting • Listen

  4. PART 1: WHERE ARE WE? • Two immediate cases vs. GMA • her family received "jueteng" payoffs • wiretapped telephone conversation which may be evidence of fraud in the May 2004 election • GMA admitted and apologized • GMA-resign calls from various sectors • Surveys register serious GMA unpopularity • She will not resign

  5. General situation • Political stalemate • Divisions in key sectors result in paralysis • Differences in articulation of the problem • Differences in solutions proposed • Difficulty of getting to consensus • Economy jittery • Major development works squeaking through

  6. Major positions and players 1. GMA should stay on and let’s get on with the business of governing • Loyalists in cabinet • Lakas-CMD, NP, LP-Atienza • LGU leagues • El Shaddai

  7. Major positions and players 2. GMA should resign • Cory Aquino, some church leaders, some business leaders • Hyatt 10 • LP-Drilon • Erap-FPJ groups • Left-oriented groups of various shades • Lacson, de Villa, Roco, Bangon Pilipinas • University groups, academics, students

  8. Major positions and players 3. Neutral as to GMA’s resignation • Military establishment and leadership • CBCP seeking truth >> with echoes of “critical collaboration” • BBC and other business groups • Some university groups and academics

  9. Where do Filipinos stand and why is there no moral outrage? • Complex issues, confusion, multiple options and combinations • Situation in constant flux • Authenticity of evidence still in question • People-power fatigue • No acceptable alternative leader • No credible champion • Pragmatic considerations • Piecemeal reforms

  10. PART 2: WHAT IS TO BE DONE? • Accountability of the President • GMA herself, with regard to the tapes • GMA as president, answerable to the people • Political survival of GMA cannot be equated with the political survival of the state itself • Search for solutions that will be most sustainable, that will not jeopardize future development as much … hence the bias for constitutionality and non-violence • Phases: (1) immediate; (2) long-term

  11. Resolution of crisis • Impeachment • Truth Commission If GMA goes… • Constitutional succession: VP Noli de Castro • VP must also go, after which the constitutional means is special elections • Revolutionary transition government; High Commission; Council of leaders; Junta

  12. At the base … and over the long haul • Let people discuss the issues and propose solutions, and begin building consensus • Organize groups • Mobilizations for truth • Keep communication lines open with other groups … dialogue • Clarify visions for reform in concrete proposals

  13. Dream situation • Impeachment proceeds in Congress • Establishment of a truly independent Truth Commission, with a clear mandate detailing its authority, powers, and relationship to the impeachment process • Both impeachment process and Truth Commission run their courses • Should GMA step down, VP agrees to heading a caretaker government with a strong cabinet and a clear endpoint, while charter change is discussed, proposed, and ratified

  14. PART 3: WHERE DO WE WANT TO GO? • Calls for charter change and institutional reforms should be distinguished from the resolution of the present political crisis • Reforms: electoral, political, bureaucratic Electoral reforms • Automation • Comelec revamp and reform of selection process • Desynchronize local and national elections

  15. Political reforms • Political party system reforms; possibilities for increased proportional representation in the legislature • Campaign financing and regulation of private contributions • Legislation to implement the constitutional ban on political dynasties • Reinforce decentralization, and initiate gradual federalization • Establish a type of parliamentary government that would correspond to Filipino culture • Regulate political appointments by the Chief Executive

  16. Bureaucratic reforms • Strengthen and further professionalize the Civil Service • Continue anti-corruption measures, e.g. programs of the Office of the Ombudsman • Improve and Implement the Procurement Act • Devolution and fiscal decentralization • Support initiatives towards judicial reform

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