Ruth Clark

  

    

     The Philippine Islands became a Spanish colony during   the 16th century; they were ceded to the U.S. in 1898 following the Spanish- American War.  In 1935, the Philippines became a self- governing commonwealth.  Manuel QUEZON  was elected president and was tasked with preparing the country for independence after a 10-year transition.

 The Magellan's Cross   
    

     In 1942, the islands fell under Japanese occupation during World War II, and U.S. forces and Filipinos fought  together during 1944-45 to regain control.  On July 4, 1946, the Republic of the Philippines attained its independence.  The 20-year rule of Ferdinand MARCOS ended in 1986 when a "people power" movement in Manila ("EDSA 1") forced him into exile and installed Corazon AQUINO as president.  Her presidency was hampered by several coup attempts which prevented  a return to full political stability and economic development.

     Fidel RAMOS was elected president in 1992 and his administration was marked by greater stability and progress on economic reforms.   

     In 1992, the U.S. closed its  last military bases on the islands.  Joseph ESTRADA was elected president in 1998 but was succeeded by his vice-president Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO in January 2001 after ESTRADA's stormy impeachment trial on corruption charges broke down and another "people power"

movement ("EDSA 2) demanded his resignation.                                 Cebu City

MACAPAGAL- ARROYO was elected to a six-year term as president in May 2004. 
The Philippine Government faces threats from three terrorist groups on the U.S. Government's Foreign Terrorist Organization list but in 2006 and 2007 scored some major successes in capturing or killing key wanted terrorists.  Decades of Muslim insurgency in the southern Philippines have led to a peace accord with one group and an ongoing cease-fire and peace talks with another.

 

 

 The Banaue Rice Terraces

 

 

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