The Philippines in 2013: Of trust and betrayals, triumphs and disasters

Abstract

The year 2013 was crucial for the Aquino administration. Halfway into its term, the year 2013 provides an indication of how well it is performing based on people's perceptions, economic data, controversies, crises, democratization, and foreign policy outcomes, among others. This year-end review provides a brief recapitulation and reflection on the performance of the administration on those aspects of governance. While the administration has accomplished feats not done in previous years, it also has more work to do to institutionalize those gains and to overcome some of obstacles that hamper the effective consummation of the government's mandate. These obstacles might not be easy to overcome or root out of the system, but their elimination or significant reduction is necessary if the president is to fulfil his solemn oath to do justice to everyone. The proverbial glass is half full and half empty; it is incumbent upon the Aquino administration to prove the fullness of its vision, and belie its critics' claims on the emptiness of his promises.

Keywords::

• Aquino administration
• Philippine economy
• pork barrel
• 2013 elections

Notes

^1. The three major television stations carried news calling it a walk out. For instance, “P-Noy walks out of Tacloban briefing after being egged on to declare martial law in city”(InterAksyon, November 10, 2013), and “PNoy walks out of disaster meeting out of frustration”(ABS-CBN News, November 10, 2013). Later in the day, Malacanang referred to it as a toilet break. For instance, “Palace official denies Aquino walkout in Tacloban”(Rappler, November 10, 2013), and “Palace: No walkout, just bathroom break for Pnoy” (GMA News Online, November 11, 2013).

^2. For instance, the Supreme Court repeatedly upheld the pork barrel system in Philippine Constitutional Association [Philconsa] v. Enriquez in 1994 and Lawyers Against Monopoly and Poverty [LAMP] v. Secretary of Budget and Management in 2012).