The period 1983 to 1987 marked the transition in the Philippines from the terrible days of martial law to the restoration of democracy. And that period was shaped by a number of fateful decisions made by certain personalities
Those decisions that began twenty-five years ago will have lasting consequences during the next twenty-five years (or even longer) of the 21st century in Philippine political, economic and social life. In this column, I have chosen to narrate six of those fateful decisions. Again, I will remind the reader the reader that this is a simple narration.
It would take a whole book to answer related questions like how were those decisions reached? What influences were brought to bear on those persons who had to make the decisions? Were those decisions good for the country? And many other critical questions like those.
Perhaps, other commentators on Philippines history, like Manolo Quezon and Ambeth Ocampo will take up this challenging task .
I am sure not everyone will agree with my choices. But from my own personal perspective and historical analysis, here are six of those fateful decisions.
1. Ninoy Aquino Decides to Return to the Philippines from Exile ( 1983)
There is no question in my mind that Ninoy Aquino's decision to return to his homeland from exile, was the tipping point that started our country's journey to the restoration of its democratic institutions. The events that followed, from his assassination to the defiant demonstrations to the massive participation in the elections were the natural consequences of that heroic decision.
2. Cory Aquino Supports Participation Versus Boycott (1984)
In 1984, the election for the new members of the Batasang Pambansa was going to be held. The big debate was whether the opposition forces would participate in the elections or boycott. There were very strong arguments against participating. The Batasan was considered a Marcos puppet Congress and the administration would use money, violence, and cheating to make their candidates win. The debates threatened to permanently divide the opposition. But when Cory Aquino declared she was supporting participation, the majority decided to follow her lead.
This electoral exercise led to the election of several opposition members. More important, it showed that political parties, like PDP-Laban and UNIDO, could organize in the face of intimidation and bribery. It also became the major testing ground for NAMFREL.
3. Marcos Calls for Snap Elections (1985)
We were watching Marcos being interviewed by a foreign correspondent on television. At that time, there was absolutely no freedom of the press and to hear Marcos being grilled was an intellectual and emotional feast for us.
Suddenly he stated that he was going to call for snap elections. The first reaction was disbelief, followed by suspicion that this was another deceitful ploy. But the 1986 elections was the next high drama that set the stage for the EDSA revolution.
4. Cory Aquino and Doy Laurel agree to Run in a Single Ticket (1986)
There was no question that Cory Aquino had decided to run against Marcos no matter what other events would transpire including the possible candidacy of Doy Laurel. She was already considering other vice-presidentiables including Nene Pimentel.
But after a series of meetings and dialogues, Laurel decided to accept the vice -presidential position. The decision to run together unified the pro-democracy forces. This made it possible for the election to become a choice between democracy and dictatorship.
5. Jaime Cardinal Sin Calls on the People to Go to EDSA (1986)
After being informed of the situation, Cardinal Sin immediately called the people to go and protect the soldiers in Camp Crame literally with their bodies. At that point, even those who were aware of the events that were transpiring, were not clear about what the real story was. After all, just a few days before, people like Enrile were considered as villains by the pro-democracy groups. Going to Camp Crame to protect an Enrile against Marcos sounded like a horror story.
But Cardinal Sin was considered an icon and people responded to his call. If he had decided to delay his call by one day, it would probably have been too late.
6. Constitutional Commission Convened ( 1987)
Before the election of a new Congress in 1987, Cory Aquino was actually exercising dictatorial powers after her assumption of the presidency after the EDSA People Power Revolt.
There was actually tremendous pressure from several groups for then President Aquino to retain her dictatorial powers until there was political stability. The principal debate was whether or not the Philippines was "ready" for democracy. On the other side were those who argued that the whole crusade against Marcos was for the restoration of democracy and not simply a search for a "better" dictator.
The decision to convene a Constitutional Commission and to call for elections, in spite of threats from militarist groups, settled the issue on the side of those who believed in democracy.
The election of the Congress in 1987 brought an end to the transition period and the start of the restoration of democracy to the Philippines. There have been many other tests and fateful decisions during this post-transition period. But, for better or for worst, the majority of the Filipino people continue to adhere to the belief, in spite of all its defects, that there is still no better substitute for democracy.
Elfren S. Cruz is a professor of Strategic Management at the Ramon del Rosario Sr. Graduate School of Business, De La Salle University—Manila. E-mail comments to elfrencruz@gmail.com
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