The military has held a powerful position in Philippine politics since being invited to take a leading role by dictator Ferdinand Marcos in the early 1970s. Marcos, a lawyer, was elected president in 1965 on a wave of optimism that he would resurrect Philippine fortunes. He won a second term in 1969. But his efforts failed and, trapped between the powerful ruling oligarchy and protesters, he turned to the military. His partnership resulted in the declaration of martial law on September 21, 1972. Marcos' reliance on the military to retain power propelled it to a central role in government as a payoff. The forces' intrusion into Philippine society soon went well beyond maintaining internal and external security. The president of the Institute for Strategic and Development Studies in Manila, Carolina Hernandez, said yesterday senior military officers were partly responsible for the end of martial rule. They grew disenchanted with Marcos and some supported the Edsa popular uprising. Dr Hernandez said that leading military officers in the overthrow of Marcos, Juan Ponce Enrile and Gregoria Honasan considered they had a right to a role in government and agitated to seize power throughout Corazon Aquino's presidency. Their view was responsible for the 'coup culture' that persists among various military factions, especially officer graduates of the elite Philippine Military Academy. Ex-general Fidel Ramos, who succeeded Mrs Aquino in 1992, used his connections to restore security and bring back investors. Peace talks were held and pacts struck with Muslim militants and the military. He gave amnesty to those implicated in coup plots and helped Mr Enrile and Mr Honasan get a stake in the political system by supporting their senate bids. Dr Hernandez said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo came to power partly because of discontent in the military with president Joseph Estrada. 'She is keenly aware that people are questioning the constitutionality of her succession, and the military was a very important component of the support group,' she said. 'Her policies on security since she assumed power - being part of the coalition of the willing in Iraq, gaining access to military support and assistance from the US in fighting Muslim insurgents - should be interpreted within the larger political picture.' Dr Hernandez said the latest coup attempt was a result of the failure of past administrations to investigate and properly deal with plots against the government. Had they done that, they would know who was behind the coups and dealt with them. Instead, the military retains great political power. peter.kammerer@scmp.com
