Article Abstract:
Philippine government officials could be using charges of cronyism to achieve reforms in government banks. They ordered a report which reveals that large debtors in these banks, which are intended to provide finance for small businesses, are big firms owned by supporters of former President Fidel Ramos. A return by these banks to providing finance for small firms would support President Joseph Estrada's pro-poor policy. However, alienation of Ramos and his supporters could make the policy change difficult and detract from progress Estrada has made in other areas.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
Younger members are becoming more dominant in the Philippines House of Representatives. A fifth of the members are now under 40, compared with only 12 in the last Congress. Many observers have welcomed this trend, as the younger members have high levels of education and can bring professional expertise into politics. There is considerable optimism that the country's political system will no longer be overshadowed by corruption. However, some observers fear that most younger members are controlled by political clans.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
Philippine intelligence chief Jose Almonte has recently emerged as a fierce champion of democracy and the ideologue and visionary behind President Fidel Ramos's reforms. A retired brigadier general, Almonte was an intelligence officer who served under Ramos. Now he heads the National Security Council and the National Intelligence Coordinating Authority, but stepped out of that role to criticize Singapore Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew's statement that democracy in the Philippines hampers its economic development.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic: