Philippine Foreign Policy

Module Three
The Foreign Policy of the Marcos Regime
Intended Learning Outcomes
At the end of this module, the learner should be able to :
• Learn the myths about Martial Law and the Marcos presidency as the
g lde age i c
• Describe the domestic and external factors and its implications to
Philippine foreign policy during Martial Law and the Marcos regime.
• Identify the foreign policy priorities during the said period.
• Differentiate between export oriented development and economic
nationalism.
• To understand the role of the World Bank and the US during Martial
Law.
Keywords
Martial Law
Legislative Power
Presidential Decree
Authoritarian Regime
Development Diplomacy
Export-oriented Development
Economic Nationalism
Cronyism
Module Outline
This module starts clarifying the myths being perpetuated about Martial Law
a d he Ma c e ide c a he g lde e i d i c hi I i
an answer to the historical revisionism we encounter pervasively on social
media platforms. Then it discusses the following:
• Reasons for the declaration of Martial Law
• How Marcos desecrated our democratic institutions
• The domestic and external factors that shaped Philippine foreign policy.
• The foreign policy priorities of the Marcos regime and its consequences
• The role of the US and World Bank during Martial law
• Cronyism and corruption
Martial Law as Golden Age of the Philippines: Myth or Truth?
https://www.facebook.com/gmanews/videos/961162744310652
Listen to this podcast to know more about the economic situation
during the Marcos regime.
Link: /https://usapangecon.com/2019/09/21/usapang-econ-podcast-episode-3
In this Usapang Econ Podcast,
JC Punongbayan and Maien
Vital talk about the data and
debunk myths about the
state of the Philippine
economy during the Martial
Law Period (1972-1986).
1965 Inauguration (first term) of
President Marcos in Luneta
Photo Source: wikimedia
Photo Source:Wikipedia
Martial Law - Definition
An extraordinary executive power vested by the 1935
C i i i he e ide i ca e f i a i
i ec i ebelli i i e da ge he e f Ma c
exercised this power and placed the entire country under
Martial Law on September 21, 1972. He ruled the Philippines
as the commander in chief of the armed forces, abolished
Congress, sequestered privately owned public utilities and
media organization, and severely limited civil and political
rights such as freedom of speech, freedom of assembly , and
freedom to travel.
Source: Ronas, 2006
What is an authoritarian regime?
• Was the Marcos Regime authoritarian?
• An authoritarian regime is a form of government that
asserts the priority of state power over individual
freedoms. The expansion of the state power leads to
the suppression of civil and political rights of citizens.
• The Martial Law proclaimed by Marcos in 1972 is an
example of an authoritarian regime.
Reasons for Declaring Martial Law
• Acc di g P e ide Ma c he decla ed Ma ial La a e he e blic a d
ef cie He aid ha he c de c a ic i i i ee
threatened by the insurgency led by the Communist Party of the Philippines and
he Ne Pe le A Ronas, 2006).
• Marcos was the first Filipino president who was reelected for the second term.
The presidential election of 1969 was notorious because of the violence and
corruption that happened. Vote buying and ballot snatching were rampant.
Marcos used the 3Gs(goons, guns and gold) to ensure his victory.
• His second term was supposed to end by December 1973, but he declared
Martial on September 21, 1972 and stayed in power up to 1986. He was
overthrown by the People Power Revolution in February 1986.
• The insurgency was his alibi to perpetuate himself in power. Do you agree?
Consequences of Martial Law Declaration
• Deep impact on the domestic policy and foreign relations of the country
• Ratification of the 1973 Constitution through a nationwide plebiscite
• Amendments to the 1973 Constitution effectively extended Martial Law
• Amendments:
Replacement of the Interim National Assembly with the interim Batasang Pambansa
Members of Batasang Pambansa were assigned by regions (e.g., National Capital Region) instead
of legislative districts.
Powers of the prime minister were to be exercised by the incumbent president (Marcos) even
with the convening of the interim legislature
The incumbent president was vested with legislative powers superior to those of the Batasan
for the duration of Martial Law
Source: Ronas, 2006
So what was the role of the members
of the Batasang Pambansa if the
President was vested with superior
legislative powers?
The Imposition of Martial Law enabled
Marcos to do the following:
• Put in prison members of the opposition: Benigno Aquino Jr., Jose W. Diokno, Lorenzo Tañada,
Jovito Salonga, and many others ( activists, writers, journalists, artists, student leaders, labor
leaders, and many more)
• There were thousands of political prisoners whose rights to due process (human rights) were
grossly violated.
• Stopped the operation of the newspapers , radio and television stations owned by persons
opposed to him.
• Sequestration of radio and television networks as well as newspapers
• Beca e Ma c i ca aci a ed he ii he had a f ee ha d i i g hi ef
agenda.
• He alone legislated through presidential decrees and at the same time implemented them as
chief executive and commander in chief of the armed forces.
• Source: Ronas, 2006
 Legislative Power the power of assemblies to enact statutes
ordinarily vested in Congress. An amendment to the 1973 Constitution
vested legislative power to Marcos during Martial Law. He enacted
laws through presidential decrees, which could modify or revoke
legislative measures passed by the Batasang Pambansa (Ronas, 2006).
Presidential Decree - an executive issuance in the exercise of legislative power. The
exercise of legislative power by the executive is unusual in a presidential form of
government grounded on the principle of separation of powers. But this principle is
fundamentally altered by the proclamation of Martial Law (Ronas, 2006).
Marcos had that enormous power and made sure it was
incorporated in the 1973 Constitution. By doing that, he
bastardized our democratic institutions to perpetuate
himself in power.
Photo Source: flickr
 Factors Influencing Foreign Policy
• Ec ic de el e beca e he ce e iece f he Ma c g e e age da he e
Philippine foreign relations could play a significant role. Development diplomacy as conceived by
Ma c a a a e ili e di l ac i he e ice f he c eff a d ec ic
development.
• Development Diplomacy is the pursuit of rapid economic growth by utilizing external resources
through diplomacy. This diplomatic initiative included the promotion of exports, the projection of
the country as a destination for foreign direct investments , and promotion of tourism.
• In this development approach there would be a close partnership between the government and
the private sector.
• The inward-looking policy of the 1950s and 1960s was to be replaced by the export- oriented
development approach that effectively worked for and other newly industrializing economies in
the 1970s like Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.
• The export-led strategy adopted economic liberalization policies. These policies integrated
international liberal economic order.
Source: Ronas, 2006
Implications of the export-oriented development
and economic liberalization
• Critics of the Marcos authoritarian regime asserted that these policies were
dictated by the World Bank and were primarily aimed at promoting and
protecting American interests in our country.
• I al ad a ced he i e e f he l cal Ma c allie hi c ie a he
than the interests of the people.
• It is inimical to the interests of the vast majority of the Filipino people.
• The alternative being pushed was economic nationalism instead of economic
liberalization. Economic nationalism favored the protection of local industries
through tariff barriers.
• Nationalist alternative - much broader than the concept of economic
nationalism espousing the collective action of the Third World countries against
imperialist exploitation.
• Source: Ronas, 2006
 Other Factors that Influenced Foreign Policy
• Domestic Security Concerns
Armed challenges posed by the Communist Party of the Philippines Ne Pe le A
(CPP- NPA) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF)
In 1968 the CPP-NPA started its war on national liberation against imperialism, feudalism,
a d b ea c a ca i ali Ma c a he chief ai f he e e ie f he e le
The MNLF was concerned about secession; it aspired to establish a Bangsa Moro, a
separate political entity from the Philippine state.
Marcos used the communist insurgency as a justification to exercise the extraordinary
power provided in the 1935 and 1973 constitutions.
Marcos took advantage of the military alliance between the Philippines and the United
States, which enabled him to concentrate on domestic rather than regional security
concerns.
Regional Security Concerns: Fall of Vietnam in 1975, Vietnamese Occupation of
Cambodia I 1979
Source: Ronas,2006
External Security Factors
• The withdrawal of US from Vietnam (end of Vietnam War)
US President Nixon initiated the policy of détente with the aim to stabilize superpower relations
and to prevent the recurring crises that marked the earlier period of the Cold War.
US withdrawal from Vietnam started in 1973 and the fall of American supported government in
South Vietnam in 1975
In 1979, Vietnam occupied Cambodia and installed a pro-Hanoi government. The Philippines
aligned with the diplomatic efforts of the ASEAN members and the United Nations to pressure
Vietnam to withdraw its troops in Cambodia.
• The oil shocks of the 1970s led to the destabilization of the Philippine economy because of its
domestic inflationary effect. The second oil shock happened in the early 80s that brought about
serious debt problems (e.g., Mexico declared a moratorium on foreign-debt payments).
• The unilateral decision of President Nixon to end the use of gold as standard for currency
e cha ge a e he US hed f a fl a i g a e ba ed ba ke f c e cie f he ge
economies (British pound, Japanese yen, German mark, US dollar). It resulted to the depreciation
of the peso and high inflation rate due to the oil crisis.
• In the 1980s the relocation of production from high-wage to low-wage countries made possible
the moving of Japanese investments to Southeast Asia. It led to the economic growth of the
region in general ( the rise of the tiger economies or the newly industrializing countries/
economies(NICs and NIEs) Source: Ronas, 2006
Group of 77
• Because of the negative developments in the world including the oil shocks
and floating currency crises many developing countries decided to form the
Group of 77 (G-77).
• The Group of 77 forwarded the idea that underdevelopment was not just
because of the crises, but primarily caused by colonialism and
neocolonialism that continued to dominate the postwar liberal economic
order established under the Bretton Woods agreement (Singham & Hune,
1986).
• G-77 spearheaded efforts in the General Assembly and other deliberative
b die f he UN h f a Ne I e a i al Ec ic O de ha
created a deep division between the underdeveloped and developed
countries in the world body.
• The Philippines is a member state of the Group of 77.
• Source: Ronas, 2006
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)during the term of Marcos
• Because of the declaration of Martial Law in 1972, Marcos stayed in power up to 1986
• DFA Seretary Narciso Ramos (1966 -1968)
Travel ban to communist countries was relaxed
ASEAN was formally launched replacing Association of South East Asia (ASA)
• Gen Carlos P. Romulo DFA Sec for 15 years (1969-1984) known as Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Establishment of Foreign Service Institute (FSI) in 1974
Creation of Technical Assistance Council (TAC) to administer technical assistance program with
developing countries
Opened diplomatic missions in Eastern European countries,Soviet union & China
Hosting /Participation of conferences such as: UNCTAD,GATT,IMF
• DFA Secretary Arturo Tolentino (1984-1985)
• DFA Secretary Pacifico Castro (1985-1986)
• Source : Domingo,1993
Foreign Policy Guidelines/Priorities of the Marcos Martial Law
Regime following the reunification of Vietnam
NOTE: In 1975 it was only 7, but in 1979 it was updated to 9 guidelines
(According to then DFA Undersecretary Jose Ingles)
1. To strengthen the United Nations through a review of the charter and the adoption of
other measures to increase its efficiency and effectiveness.
2. To intensify efforts to make ASEAN a strong and viable regional organization to expand
bilateral relations with members of ASEAN.
3. To seek closer identification with the Third World all the developing countries of Asia,
Africa, and Latin America particularly in the uplift of the poor and the establishment of
the new international order.
4. To establish diplomatic relations and to pursue more vigorous economic and trade
relations with the Socialist states.
5. To clarify and update the guidelines under which beneficial relations with Japan will
continue.
Source: Ronas,2006
Foreign Policy Guidelines (Continuation)
6. To reorient trade as well as security relations with the US.
7. To seek firmer basis for more vigorous trade and cultural relations
with Europe.
8. To support Arab Countries in their struggle for a just and enduring
peace in the Middle East in accordance with relevant resolutions of the
United Nations.
9. To continue the search for procedures to ease political tensions on
Southeast Asia, such as the creation of an Asian Forum.
Source: Ronas, 2006
Consequences of the Foreign Policy Guidelines
• The détente policy of the US resulted in the relaxation of tension between bitter
ideological rivals (US & USSR). With this scenario, Marcos established diplomatic
ela i i h he USSR Pe le Re blic f Chi a a d he ciali c ie
• The Philippines was part of the G-77 bloc that played a role in the unsuccessful
attempt to restructure the world economic order. The country hosted in 1974 the
first meeting of the UNDP outside of its headquarters. Then in 1976, it hosted
UNCTAD.
• Active involvement in the ASEAN that worked for a non-aligned movement in the
region.
• Sought the help of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) in opening peace
talks with the MNLF.
• Source: Ronas,2006
Consequences of the Foreign Policy Guidelines
(continuation)
• Bilateral relations with Japan, the biggest donor of official development
assistance to the Philippines
Negative trade balance with Japan from 1975 to 1981
• The review of the presence of the military bases in the Philippines with symbolic
gains (according to the critics of Marcos):
Philippine flag hoisted inside the bases
• the Armed Forces of the Philippines chief-of-staff was named base commander of
the American Military Bases in the Philippines
• the perimeter security of these facilities was turned over to the Philippine
military.
• Source: Ronas, 2006
Bilateral Relations with the US
• Regarding the military bases agreement, Marcos claimed the triumph of the Philippines while his critics
called the American concessions merely symbolic.
• WHY?
• I he e b a i e i e like j i dic i he US c i ed e j ha e ed e a i al
c l The US a ed f ce a i ed i he Phili i e had a a e fc a d
control, and communication.
• The foreign policy charted by Marcos was focused on its bilateral relations with the US.
• The Philippines remained aligned with the US. The opening of ties with the socialist countries and the
a a e ide ifica i i h he Thi d W ld did cha ge he a e f c a egic
relations with the US.
• The Philippines continued to be a part of the American network of military alliances in Asia.
• Its active participation in and close cooperation with ASEAN did not draw it to the path of neutrality.
ASEAN i i e fi a i a i ake S hea A ia a Z e f Peace F eed a d Ne ali
recognized American military presence in the Philippines and Thailand as necessary to balance the
power in the region.
• Source: Ronas, 2006
About Carlos P. Romulo
• Carlos P. Romulo: Dynamic
Pragmatist
• Foreign policy is the pursuit of
certain objectives for the
enhancement of the national
interest.
• reflection of the hopes, plans,
aspirations of a given people in a
given time
• Photo Source: wikipedia
Characteristics of Foreign Policy According to Romulo
• The means and methods of enhancing national interest vary from time to time,
often in accordance with the total global context, no foreign policy objective is
ever fully or completely achieved in any given time.
• Should be viewed as a dynamic process, always subject to changes and emphasis
as the national interest may require.
• Part of general program of government
• Extension of our domestic policies
• Means through which we make known to the peoples of the world that the
Philippines is ready to take its rightful place in the family of nations, to accept its
appropriate share of responsibilities to humankind and to deal with all nations
and peoples of the world.
• Diplomacy encompasses all aspects of human experience, political, economic,
cultural, informational, and humanitarian.
• Source: Domingo, 1993
Emerging pattern in the relationship of nations:
From an era of dependency to an era of equality
• Implications in the development of Equality(according to Romulo):
• Diminished importance of ideology in international relations;
• Alliances between and among nations will be based on specific
mutual requirements and issues;
• Alliances will be temporary and will shift as mutual interests dictate;
• As a consequence, there will be a need for relationships with the
widest possible number of countries to widen its latitude for action;
• Increased emphasis on regional groupings to increase leverage on
matters of common and persisting concern;
• Over-dependence on any single country will be avoided.
World Banks Loans During Martial Law
• When Robert McNamara (former US Defense Secretary) became World Bank president in 1968 he
argued that the Philippines where there were American military bases, as in Indonesia and
Turkey was of such strategic importance that it was absolutely necessary to strengthen its ties
to the World Bank. Lending money was a way to get greater leverage.
• When Marcos declared Martial Law, it triggered the borrowing of loans from the World Bank.
• The World Bank and the IMF publicly supported the Marcos dictatorship to such an extent that
they held their 1976 annual general meeting in Manila.
• Even with the growing opposition to Marcos, the World Bank opted to stand behind the dictator.
It massively boosted its loans to the Philippines: 600 million dollars in 1983, or more than double
he e i ea l a f illi dollars. Source: Touissaint,2020
• According Bell he licie f he Ma c e i d lef hei a k he EDSA
Re blic ha cceeded Ma c He c ide he e ici g f Ma c deb a d he
institutionalization of the structural adjustment as the key legacies of that dark period in our
history.
To end this module, read this essay about the Marcos cronies that looted our
country
LINK: https://martiallawmuseum.ph/magaral/it-takes-a-village-to-loot-a-nation-
cronyism-and-corruption/
References:
• Bello W. (2019, April 2). How the Marcos-World Bank partnership brought PH economy to its
knees.Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/voices/thought-leaders/analysis-how-marcos- world-bank-
partnership-brought-philippine-economy-to-knees
• Domingo B. (1993). The Re-Making of Filipino Foreign Policy. Asian Center, University of the Philippines.
• GMA News and Public Affairs. (2020, September 21). Martial Law as Golden Age of the Philippines: Myth or
Truth? (Video Attached). Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/gmanews/videos/961162744310652
• Martial Law Museum (n.d.). It Takes A Village to Loot a Nation: Cronyism and Corruption.
https://martiallawmuseum.ph/magaral/it-takes-a-village-to-loot-a-nation-cronyism-and-corruption/
• Punongbayan, J. and Vital, M. (Hosts). (2019, September 21). Golden Age Ba Talaga Ng Ekonomiya ang
Marcos Years?. (Episode 3). (Audio podcast episode). Usapang Econ.
https://usapangecon.com/2019/09/21/usapang-econ-podcast-episode-3
• Ronas M.C. (2006). Philippine Foreign Relations, 1972 -1986. In T.E. Tadem & N. M. Morada , Philippine
Politics and Governance (pp. -516).University of the Philippines Press, Quezon City.
https://phlconnect.ched.gov.ph/content/view/philippine-politics-and-governance-an-
introduction1?fbclid=IwAR0Brrxr47p8YCKtBFd8lOwI0F_7ST2O4YthnOllnx8xRSXYwSHEakma
ruo
• Toussaint, E. (2020, April 17). The World Bank and the Philippines. Committee for the Abolition of Illegitimate
Debt. https://www.cadtm.org/The-World-Bank-and-the-Philippines