Lack of a revolutionary party

Philippines

Philippines is one of the growing economy of South East Asia. It is second only to Indonesia in amount of exportable raw materials in the region. Solid population and vast natural resources are the contributing factors of Philippines modern day growth. Although many promising growth is ahead of Philippines, such as manufacturing and tourism, it is still a very agricultural based economy and lately becoming more and more export and import dependent country. As of other countries in the region, Philippines also heavily depend on China’s immense purchasing power of raw material and promise of more business opportunity in the future.

Philippines boast with great culture of mass uprising by the masses throughout their history. The likes of Estrada’s impeachment in 2000 was only preceded by the overthrowing of Ramos before that, and one of the most popular mass uprising in the region was demonstrated by the mass uprising against Markos in 1986. Philippines is one of the most important countries in South East Asia that is in immediate need of a revolutionary party with clear perspective in order to provide a leadership during these mass uprisings.

The newly appointed president Benigno Aquino was highly expected by the citizens to uphold many of the reforms that are already included in Philippines constitution such as the land reform. On the contrary, the president is refraining from even mentioning this issue while continuing to own nearly 6500 hectares of sugar estate with his family. This action in particular has deeply angered the Philippines’ farmers.

Obviously, President Noynoy is more concerned in offending the big landlords and global capitalist than to seek justice for the peasant community who is being exploited even more as each day passed. The president’s neo-liberal take on market, coincides to his choice to support the big agri-business groups and investors, rather than providing state support and subsidies in the promotion and development of small food producers in the countryside. As each day passes, more and more farmers are demanding the redistribution of lands as promised, but the presidents attitude to ignore the question completely has resulted in a sharp drop of popularity support for him.

With the current government support, big landowners and proprietors undermine the idea of land reform or distort the law to favor the rich economically and politically. Even the extreme few who benefitted from the land reform previously, are being forced to sacrifice their land rights because they have been unable to adapt to this increasingly market oriented society. Government is further worsening the situation by de-regulation, which directly reduces state support to irrigation facilities among others, as well as opening the local market to cheaper imported products.

Philippines is facing an environmental risk due to uncontrolled deforestation in watershed areas, soil erosion and an increase of pollution of mangrove swamps that are important breeding grounds for fish. The uncontrolled deforestation and pollution will in the long run hurt the country’s economy in terms of production. Wood and fish are one of the main Philippines exports.

Philippines is also well known as one of the main contributors of drug smuggling and human trafficking (which includes prostitution) in the South East Asia region. Although many sources will simply link the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group to Philippines growing drug and human trade, none is bothered to look into the issue of governmental suppression to people of Philippines.

The lack of a revolutionary party has seen as the effect of continuous mass uprising by the citizens only to be replaced by another reactionary capitalist government, which emphasizes only in the interest and the well-being of the ruling class. The small minority of the so-called Left in Philippines is also clouded by Maoist ideas and immediately rejecting any suggestion of introduction of a democratic workers state. It is impossible for such party to attract workers let alone provide any leadership to the masses.