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Republic of the Philippines Leyte Normal University College of Arts and Sciences Political Science Department P. Paterno St., Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines, 6500 In partial fu...

Republic of the Philippines Leyte Normal University College of Arts and Sciences Political Science Department P. Paterno St., Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines, 6500 In partial fulfillment of the Requirements in the subject, POLSCI (FE) - 119 Philippine Political Thought Written Report In title: “Post War Philippine Government and History of Political Parties in The Philippines”. Submitted by: Diana Quitorio Anjelo Solvera Jerry Dawn Surpia AP3-3 Submitted to: Mr. Ariel Matillano  Table of Contents POST-WAR GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS OF THE PHILIPPINES.................1 Characteristics of the 1935 Constitution............................................................... 1 Government Structure...........................................................................................1 The Conditions of Independence.......................................................................... 2 The Impact of Japanese Occupation.................................................................... 3 Guerrilla Warfare and Resistance.........................................................................3 Hukbalahap and Social Aims................................................................................ 3 Economic Challenges and Reconstruction........................................................... 4 Guerrilla Contributions and Economic Realities....................................................4 Political Developments Leading to Independence................................................ 4 Legacy of the Independence Period..................................................................... 5 The Third Republic of the Philippines................................................................... 5 Reconstruction and Rehabilitation After World War II...........................................6 The Emergence of Political Parties in the Philippines...........................................7 Post-War Era........................................................................................................ 7 The Role of the Nacionalista and Liberal Parties.................................................. 7 The Liberal Party (LP)...........................................................................................8 Martial law and its Impact on Philippine Political Parties...................................... 9 The Reestablishment of Democracy and the 1897 Constitution......................... 10 The Rise of New Political Parties (1986-Present)............................................... 11 Electoral Processes and Political Party Systems................................................12 Party Coalitions and the Dynamics of Philippine Politics.................................... 12 Populism and the Changing Nature of Political Parties.......................................13 POST-WAR GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS OF THE PHILIPPINES  July 4, 1946: Transition from Commonwealth to full independence in the Philippines.  The 1935 Constitution (amended in 1940) as the foundation of the new government. Dr. J.R. Hayden’s commentary on the Constitution:  A blend of American, Spanish, and Filipino traditions.  Influenced by global political developments, especially since 1933. Characteristics of the 1935 Constitution  Reflects a mix of American political theory and emerging global political ideologies.  Demonstrates high political skill among its drafters. Serves as:  A tool for governance.  A bridge between past traditions and future uncertainties.  Distinctly Filipino in its framework and governance approach. Government Structure Presidential form of government. President:  Elected directly for a four-year term.  Eligible for re-election but limited to a maximum of eight consecutive years.  Vice President elected alongside the President. 1 Executive power:  Exercised by the President through broad delegation.  Supervises executive departments, bureaus, and offices.  Oversees municipal governments as permitted by law.  Ensures faithful execution of laws. Appointment powers:  President appoints civil and military officials of higher ranks.  Appointments subject to approval by the Commission on Appointments and civil service regulations. Challenges in Governance and Political Parties  Governance based on rules rather than individuals, though shaped by the people implementing them.  Dominance of the Nacionalista Party:  Opposition parties were fragmented with no cohesive agenda.  Failed to create a unified and effective alternative to the Nacionalista Party. Financial challenges of opposition parties:  Landed and commercial elites financially supported the Nacionalista Party, aligning with their interests.  Opposition lacked access to funding and resources. The Conditions of Independence The journey to Philippine independence was shaped by the tumultuous events of World War II and the nation’s historical ties to the United States. The transition from a Commonwealth under American oversight to an independent republic was influenced by the Japanese occupation, guerrilla resistance, and post-war 2 reconstruction efforts. This report examines the socio-political and economic conditions surrounding Philippine independence and the challenges faced during this period. The Impact of Japanese Occupation Invasion and Declared Independence by Japan  During the Commonwealth period, Japanese forces invaded the Philippines, forcing the withdrawal of American troops.  Japan declared the Philippines "independent" under a puppet government, severing Philippine-American economic relations temporarily. Guerrilla Warfare and Resistance  Filipino guerrilla fighters demonstrated loyalty to the United States by actively resisting Japanese forces.  Prominent guerrilla leaders, including Luis Taruc, Tomas Confesor, and Tomas Cabili, led factions against Japanese occupiers.  Guerrilla efforts played a critical role in General Douglas MacArthur's return to liberate the Philippines. Hukbalahap and Social Aims  The Hukbalahap (Hukbong Bayan Laban sa Hapon) emerged as a resistance group against both Japanese forces and native collaborators.  Their social objectives included land redistribution, national industrialization, and the establishment of a democratic state with labor protections. 3  After liberation, the Hukbalahap faced marginalization, as the U.S. and the Philippine government disarmed and excluded them from the new national military. Economic Challenges and Reconstruction  The war severely disrupted the Philippine economy, necessitating efforts to restore pre-war economic practices.  Currency was pegged to the U.S. dollar at a two-to-one parity, symbolizing the nation’s economic dependence on the U.S.  The U.S. emphasized planning and restoration, though prolonged legislative delays hampered immediate progress.  Washington advocated for economic stability in the Philippines, recognizing that it was essential for sustaining an independent state. Guerrilla Contributions and Economic Realities Guerrilla fighters were instrumental in liberation efforts but faced post-war neglect, highlighting inequities in the reconstruction process. Economic stability was rooted in U.S. aid and a gradual return to pre-war production levels. Political Developments Leading to Independence  With the evacuation of President Manuel Quezon and Vice President Sergio Osmeña during the war, Osmeña assumed leadership of the Commonwealth government in exile.  Manuel Roxas, a former collaborator with the Japanese-backed government, later contested Osmeña for the presidency. 4  Roxas’s wartime role, including his chairmanship of BIBA (a government food supply agency), became a contentious issue in post-war politics.  The U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to granting Philippine independence following liberation.  The 1946 presidential contest between Osmeña and Roxas set the stage for the establishment of the Republic of the Philippines.  The Philippine Constitution, drafted pre-war, provided a framework for self- governance.  Post-war leaders faced the dual challenge of rebuilding state institutions and addressing the demands of marginalized groups like the Hukbalahap. Legacy of the Independence Period  Philippine independence was marked by continuity in its ties to the United States, particularly in economics and defense.  Political and social divisions, including those caused by exclusionary policies toward guerrilla fighters, persisted in the early years of independence.  The economic policies of the newly independent Philippines remained heavily influenced by U.S. interests, limiting true economic sovereignty.  Reconstruction efforts prioritized restoring pre-war practices, often sidelining radical reforms proposed by groups like the Hukbalahap. The Third Republic of the Philippines The Third Republic of the Philippines was proclaimed on the July 4 of the year 1946. It was the end of the peaceful campaign for Philippine independence, which had two landmarks: the Philippine Independence Act of 1934 or the Tydings- McDuffie passing the PhilippineBill of Civil Government, which provided a ten year 5 transitional period for the Philippines as a Commonwealth and the Jones Law of 1916 that said that congress would grant independence to the Philippines should the Filipino people prove themselves capable of self-rule. Also, the Third Republic marked the recognition of the stake holders in the international society about the sovereignty of the Philippines. This process began on the 14 of June 1942 when the Commonwealth of the Philippines affiliated to United Nations an anti-Axis bloc and was recognized as an Ally before it became free. Thus, the long struggle for freedom that began with the Philippine Revolution on August 23, 1896 (some new research point out that it was August 24) and which came into its final fruition with the proclamation of Philippine Independence at Kawit, Cavite on June 12 – 1898 was realized with the inauguration of Third Republic. Celebrate independency of America was proclaim on July and which was celebrated from 4th of July 1946 until 1961. This days, President Diosdado Macapagal signed the proclamation number 28 s. 1962, celebrating the independence day every June 12. The Philippines lying in the same hemisphere as the United States was keen to have its independence day coincide with that of the mother country and Congress passed Republic Act No. 4166 in 1964 setting June 12 as the national independence day. After that, July 4 was celebrated as Republic Day. Reconstruction and Rehabilitation After World War II The devastation of World War II left the Philippines with destroyed infrastructure, an economic collapse, and widespread social displacement. The government, with substantial U.S. assistance under the Philippine Rehabilitation Act of 1946, prioritized rebuilding efforts. This included reconstructing transportation networks, schools, and government buildings, stabilizing the currency, and 6 revitalizing industries such as agriculture and manufacturing. Social programs were implemented to resettle displaced populations and restore education. However, the aid came with conditions, such as the Bell Trade Act, which favored American economic interests and perpetuated dependency. Political challenges arose from divisions over wartime collaboration and slow reforms addressing social inequalities, particularly land redistribution and labor rights. Marginalized groups, like the Hukbalahap guerrillas, were excluded from reconstruction efforts, deepening rural poverty and social tensions. Despite these challenges, the rehabilitation efforts laid the foundation for recovery, though the reliance on U.S. support and unaddressed inequities remained barriers to achieving true independence and stability. The Emergence of Political Parties in the Philippines Political parties in the Philippines date back to the American colonial period, when early parties formed to advocate for various policies and governance structures. Political parties, however, did not become a central feature of the nation's democratic system until the postwar period. Post-War Era Following full independence from the United States in 1946, the Philippines established a two-party system dominated by the Nacionalista and Liberal parties. These parties would go on to shape the course of Philippine politics, establishing a competitive democratic structure that allowed for organized political activity. The Role of the Nacionalista and Liberal Parties The Nacionalista Party was established in 1907, becoming the oldest political party in the Philippines. Originally formed during the American colonial period, it 7 advocated for Philippine independence and promoted nationalist ideals. After independence, the NP continued as a dominant force, representing conservative policies and the interests of the elite. Key Leaders: Manuel L. Quezon: Known as the “Father of the Nacionalista Party,” Quezon served as the President of the Philippine Commonwealth and was pivotal in negotiating the Tydings-McDuffie Act, which paved the way for Philippine independence. Sergio Osmeña: He succeeded Quezon as President and led the NP during the transition to independence. Osmeña’s leadership helped solidify the party’s influence in the early years of the Republic. Ferdinand Marcos: Initially a member of the LP, Marcos later joined the NP, under which he was elected President in 1965. His leadership marked a controversial period that eventually culminated in the declaration of Martial Law. The Liberal Party (LP) The Liberal Party was established in 1946 by a faction that broke away from the Nacionalista Party, led by Manuel Roxas, who became the first President of the independent Republic of the Philippines. The LP positioned itself as the more progressive counterpart to the NP, advocating for reforms, economic modernization, and liberal democratic values. 8 Key Leaders: Manuel Roxas: A founder of the Liberal Party, Roxas served as the first President of the post-independence Philippines. His leadership set the foundation for LP as a reform-oriented party. Elpidio Quirino: Succeeding Roxas, Quirino continued the LP’s reformist policies, focusing on economic rehabilitation and post-war recovery. Diosdado Macapagal: Known for his policies favoring the Filipino people, Macapagal worked to enhance national welfare and initiated the shift to the Philippine Independence Day of June 12. Benigno Aquino III: Serving as President from 2010 to 2016, Aquino reinvigorated the LP and promoted governance reforms, anti-corruption initiatives, and transparency. Impact: The LP became synonymous with reform and progressive policies, often positioning itself in opposition to the Nacionalista Party’s conservative stance. Through various administrations, the LP pushed for policies aimed at modernization and anti-corruption. Martial law and its Impact on Philippine Political Parties In 1972, President Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial Law, which suspended democratic processes and suppressed opposition, including political parties. During this period: 9  Suppression of Political Parties: Martial Law dismantled the two-party system and led to a de facto one-party rule. Opposition leaders were imprisoned, exiled, or silenced, with the Liberal Party bearing much of the brunt.  Emergence of the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL): Marcos established the KBL (New Society Movement) as the ruling party to consolidate power. The NP and LP were largely sidelined, with many of their leaders either co-opted or persecuted.  Long-term Consequences: Martial Law led to a weakened political infrastructure and the eventual polarization of political allegiances, setting the stage for the fragmented party system that emerged post-1986. The Reestablishment of Democracy and the 1897 Constitution Following the People Power Revolution in 1986, the authoritarian rule of Marcos ended, and democracy was restored under the leadership of President Corazon Aquino. The 1987 Constitution was established, enshrining democratic principles and freedoms, including:  Multi-Party System: The Constitution allowed for a multi-party system, enabling various political movements and ideologies to participate in governance.  Protection of Political Rights: The Constitution guaranteed freedom of speech and association, which reinvigorated political parties and restored public trust in democratic processes.  Institutional Reforms: The Constitution set term limits, checks and balances, and established the role of an independent judiciary to protect against authoritarianism. 10  also led to a more diverse representation of views, though it introduced issues like coalition instability.  Contemporary Political Influence: The NP and LP continue to influence Philippine politics, though they now operate within a much more complex and competitive environment, with many parties vying for power. The Rise of New Political Parties (1986-Present) Following the 1986 People Power Revolution that ended the Marcos dictatorship, the Philippines transitioned to democracy, leading to a proliferation of new political parties. These parties often centered around influential political figures or families rather than ideologies, reflecting the country's patronage-driven political culture. Key developments include: 1. Emergence of Post-EDSA Parties: Traditional parties weakened, giving rise to new groups like the Lakas-CMD and the Liberal Party's resurgence. 2. Personality-Driven Dynamics: Parties such as PDP-Laban, Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC), and others often revolve around their leaders, serving as election vehicles rather than ideological platforms. 3. Coalition Politics: Frequent alliances and party-switching among politicians highlight the lack of institutional loyalty. 4. Rise of Regional and Sectoral Parties: Regional parties like Hugpong ng Pagbabago and party-lists under the Party-List System Act (1995) reflect grassroots efforts but sometimes perpetuate elite control. 11 Electoral Processes and Political Party Systems The Philippines follows a democratic electoral system with a combination of plurality voting for major positions (e.g., president and senators) and proportional representation through the party-list system for some seats in Congress. This structure encourages a fragmented political landscape, characterized by weak party ideologies and dominance by political clans. Key Features: 1. Plurality Voting: For most positions, candidates with the most votes win, often leading to multi-candidate races and the absence of a clear majority mandate. 2. Party-List System: Introduced under the 1987 Constitution, this system aims to represent marginalized sectors but has often been co-opted by elite interest. 3. Fluid Party System: Philippine political parties are personality-driven rather than ideology-based, resulting in frequent party-switching or "political turncoatism." 4. Coalition Politics: Due to the proliferation of parties, coalition-building is essential, especially in legislative processes Party Coalitions and the Dynamics of Philippine Politics Party coalitions are a defining feature of Philippine politics, where fragmented and personality-driven political parties often band together for strategic electoral and legislative purposes. Due to the absence of strong ideological foundations, coalitions are typically formed based on convenience, patronage, and mutual interests. 12 Key Dynamics: 1. Election Alliances: Coalitions help consolidate votes in a multiparty system, often uniting regional and national parties behind dominant candidates. 2. Legislative Functioning: Post-election, coalitions are crucial for securing majorities in Congress and passing legislation. 3. Instability: Weak party loyalty leads to frequent shifts in coalition alignments, influenced by political expediency or changes in leadership. Populism and the Changing Nature of Political Parties Party coalitions are a defining feature of Philippine politics, where fragmented and personality-driven political parties often band together for strategic electoral and legislative purposes. Due to the absence of strong ideological foundations, coalitions are typically formed based on convenience, patronage, and mutual interests. Key Dynamics: 1. Election Alliances: Coalitions help consolidate votes in a multiparty system, often uniting regional and national parties behind dominant candidates. 2. Legislative Functioning: Post-election, coalitions are crucial for securing majorities in Congress and passing legislation. 3. Instability: Weak party loyalty leads to frequent shifts in coalition alignments, influenced by political expediency or changes in leadership 13 References: Agoncillo, T. 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