Current mood:

contemplative

Filipino Political Situation
Well, as you might know from the little tag image I left in here a few weeks ago, I've joined something called Blogshares. Essentially, it's a fantasy stock market that uses Blogs as the "stock" and "Ideas" and "Artefacts" as the trade commodities. You're given $500 B$ and you then invest in various blogs and such to make yourself some money (B$ money, that is).

At this point, I've got a small portfolio worth around $6 Million, about $26 Million in currency, and some Ideas in Gaming. While this isn't a lot in game terms, I think I made one of the top lists for my first month... Of course I forgot to check, so when they post it, I'll be sure to look.

Anyway, I've gotten to the point where making money on Blogs isn't worth what it once was and have moved on to the trading of Ideas, or rather I'm about to. I've been reading a few forum entries, when I notice this contest. Now, aside from the money and Artefact, I've got somewhat of a history with the Phillipines.

As some of you may remember, I'd read a book, "Steel my soldiers hearts," on the battles of the Bataan Penninsula. Having read that and therefore being somewhat aware of that chunk of the countries history, I was intrigued.

After checking out some info, I can't believe this hasn't been discussed in many circles, though I suppose it doesn't really effect us much.

It seems that there was a bit of a revolution in 2001 in which Joseph Estrada resigned as the President and power was handed over control to his Vice-President, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Apparently Estrada had long since been accused of shady dealings and corrupt practices, dating back to his 1998 election. He was accused of accepting bribes from a known rackateer, causing a disturbance among his people. He was put on trial and though never fully sentenced or found guilty, was still removed from power. The Army moved its allegiance from the Presidential to the Vice-Presidential seat, and our friend Gloria was sworn into office.

Normally, you'd think that would be enough for a government, but apparently the Phillipines really just can't do things that way. They've imprisoned a known rebellion leader, Nur Misuari, who heads the Moro National Liberation Front and is awaiting trial. His group was responsible for attacks on a military post in Southern Phillipines causing the death of over 100 people. He seemed to think that he could stop national elections, but not only was he unable to do that, but the Government's candidate won.

Now, Estrada never officially resigned, so he was claiming that Arroyo wasn't in power legally. Unfortunately for him, he was arrested and detained, sitting in a military compound waiting for a trial for corruption and plunder. Now, as we all might remember, the Phillipines is quite strict when it comes to the law and this seems to be no different. Plunder has a maximum penalty of death or life without parole in the Phillipines. Can you imagine if they charged Bill Clinton, Reagan or even one of the Bush's for something like that, with similar consequences??

Getting back to Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, it seemed she had some trouble of her own to deal with. After dealing with the original rebel scum, she most recently had some younger officers take control of a hotel in Metro Manila. They seemed to have possible ties to our old friend Estrada, but they eventually turned themselves in to avoid facing a military attack.

Even worse, her husband was later accused of corruption by a Filipino senator for possibly stealing campaign money under a false name. She also had to face the same accusations as Estrada, though with no actual evidence and not presented by someone in the circles of the previous accuser.

Even though the public wasn't leaping ahead in the polls, she later climbed to and stayed at the number one spot until the elections. She was campaigning against a film actor by the name of Fernando Poe, Jr. who just happened to be good friends with Estrada, not to mention the senator who had accused her husband of corruption. Despite these obsticals, she was able to win the elections this year and assume the Presidency last month, June 2004.

She has based the beggining this first year in her six-year term to removing the corruption that has been like a plague to their political system. Knowing the strengths of the people, we can only hope she is able to do so... However, knowing the hand-in-hand relationship corruption and politics have, I can only wish her good luck.

On that note, I've places to be... But you should all join up on Blogshares, it's mighty fun ;)