The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung in the Philippines

20 years after the EDSA People Power Revolution and the restoration of democracy, the deep political crisis in the Philippines still continues. Widespread dissatisfaction with the political system's general ability to deliver on the one hand and the disputed legitimacy of the President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's government, combined with allegations of corruption, on the other, mean that people's hopes of democracy have been disillusioned. The political system is perceived as the preserve of a small, structurally anchored elite that has improved socio-economic conditions for a select few.

Although the macroeconomic data for the Philippines have improved slightly in recent years, economic and social conditions remain precarious for a majority of working people and their families. Labour market pressures have led a large number of Filipinos and Filipinas to seek jobs abroad.

In this politically unstable environment, the purpose of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung's work is to support debate about the need for medium-term institutional reforms to government structures and electoral law and to broaden political discussion of these matters in civil society. Broader participatory processes are also pursued at local level, and groups in civil society are empowered to implement progressive policies in everyday practice.

As the interests of working people are often inadequately articulated in political decision-making, project work in the field of industrial relations focuses on fostering justice in the balance of interests.