The Philippines in 2005: old dynamics, new conjuncture

The year 2005 witnessed much argument and effort—to enact tax reforms, impeach the president, combat terrorism, amend the Constitution, and end long-standing armed insurgencies—and little real change. The outcome of these specific initiatives is likely to remain largely unresolved in 2006, as is the broader issue of the stability and substance of democracy in the Philippines, a question that loomed large throughout 2005.