National Political Situationer John J.

Carroll Institute on Church and Social Issues October 7, 2013

Since 2010, the national political situation (or at least as reflected in the currency and status national capital) is one of seeming stability and hope for potential change. The ascent of Benigno Noynoy Aquino III was hoped to have heralded the possibility of recapturing in formal governance the promise of the 1986 EDSA Revolution.

Government experienced highest satisfaction ratings over the past 3 years due no less to its relative competence in key directions. Perceived key public good bills have been passed or are now being placed in the formal legislative agenda (RH, FOI, Sin Tax, etc.)

Economic development seems to be on an unprecedented high. The visible overturn of status-quo arrangements compared to previous administrations seems to have kindled hope in multiple sectors.

How palatable and applicable is the real quality of governance that the Aquino administration is practicing? 2. What kinds of policies is this administration pursuing? Why these policies? What are the implications of such policies? 3. How effective are these policies and directions in achieving their desires, more or less? 4. Why is the general socio-economic status of many Filipinos still unimproved despite these supposed gains?
1.

Prosecution of GMA and cohorts The Sabah standoff 2013 Midterm Elections The multifaceted PDAF/Pork Barrel scandals Beleaguered Peace Processes
Crisis and tensions in Zamboanga The continued presence of insurgencies/civil conflicts

Contradictions in Government Policies

and their relevance

Economic Rights Violations Cases

Specific Examples: PALEA & DEU Contractualization and Absence of Decent Work Dismantling of Informal Settler Communities

Land Appropriation
APECO, Boracay & enclave development Transformations of the urban landscape

Continued vulnerabilities to financial shocks

Public discourse remains a monopoly of institutions, personalities, personalized institutions and institutionalized personalities; the market of ideas is pretty much in dearth of new developments. Public life remains a function of following socially-sanctioned and institutionally-imposed consumption patterns. The result: the absence of public interest or simple-minded, pseudo-intellectualized arrogance masquerading as such.

Integration into the ASEAN Economic Community by 2015 Decline of U.S., Rise of China? Personal Appraisal:
Our position in the regional, international and

global bargaining table is actually very dire. We seem to have simply (and continuously) played spectator in the existing socio-political conflicts/upheavals in Asia and Europe over the past few decade.

National Political Situationer John J. Carroll Institute on Church and Social Issues October 7, 2013