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IFES

Philippines

The Philippines is a functioning democracy, though popular protests have forced out two presidents in the past 15 years: first, Ferdinand Marcos in 1986 for alleged electoral manipulation and second, Joseph Estrada in 2001 for allegedly plundering the economy. 

The country’s politics have continued to be characterized by volatility. The Philippines is still grappling with Muslim separatists, predominantly those of the island of Mindinao. In addition, the current president, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, won a contentious election in 2004 and is now facing an electoral scandal, after a phone call between her and an election official, taped before the election had concluded, turned up. President Arroyo has denied she made any attempt to influence the vote. 

IFES Philippines website
IFES 2004 CEPPS report

Current Projects
Elections and Political Processes (PEPP)
A youth volunteer is shown convincing fellow participants to work for electoral reforms during the voter education campaign.
IFES is working with the Philippine Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to improve its ability to effectively administer national elections through modernization of its procedures and reform of its electoral law, among other things.
The electoral situation in the Philippines is unusually complex, partly due to its long and turbulent history of democracy and electoral practice. Following the 2004 elections, IFES made a number of recommendations that would allow COMELEC to improve its ability to effectively administer national elections. Program activities are designed to encourage other governmental and nongovernmental organizations to play a role in improving the election process, while at the same time encouraging improved electoral governance.
IFES’ assistance to the COMELEC includes: (1) providing technical assistance; (2) monitoring the implementation of COMELEC’s program of modernization; (3) encouraging appropriate electoral law reform; (4) encouraging the development of a comprehensive voter education program; and (5) providing subgrants to local NGOs capable of supporting electoral reform in the Philippines.
IFES' partners:
More about IFES' elections work »

Past Projects in Philippines »

To learn more about our experts from this region, visit here.

For more information, please contact us at europe.asia.programs@ifes.org.

Applications and resumes are not accepted at this address.

Philippines News and Materials
May 12, 2008
IFES.org Feature: Mock Elections Offer Model for Change in Mindanao
February 28, 2008
IFES.org Feature: Summit Promotes Peaceful Elections in Mindanao
May 14, 2007
IFES.org Feature: Philippine Election 2007 Q&A with Beverly Hagerdon-Thakur
May 14, 2007
IFES.org Feature: IFES, COMELEC Reach Out to Philippine Election Workers
May 3, 2007
IFES.org Feature: IFES Summit Inspires Anti-Violence Efforts in Mindanao
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