The Election in the Philippines
The Philippine election was a “cruel deception.” Marcos’ calling for a snap election was primarily to impress the Reagan Administration and mollify the opinion of the international community. Obviously, the results have accomplished neither.
“People Power” has prevailed and Corazon Aquino had the clear mandate of the Filipinos. But Marcos, the “evil genius,” is depriving Aquino of that victory by using his “crony power” to systematically manipulate the results.
The Marcos regime is as much a result of the U.S. government’s support as it is of Marcos’ personal ambition. The U.S. government, therefore, has a responsibility to undo the “failing dictatorship” that has endured this long because of the financial and military logistics extended by the American government and American businesses.
President Reagan once said “terrorism must be dealt with swiftly and effectively.” Was the institutionalized terrorism flagrantly displayed by the Marcos regime during this election an exception to Reagan’s statement? Must justice, freedom and democracy for 55 million Filipinos play a back seat on the U.S. strategic interest in Clark Air Base and Subic Bay Naval Base?
DANILO LAMILA
Los Angeles
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
