A Study On The Attitude Of The Philippines Towards The Withdrawal Of U.S.Military Bases(1986-1991)

In 1991,the negotiations on the renewal of the military bases failed between the U.S.government and the Philippine government,and the U.S.military bases were withdrawn from the Philippines under deadlines.The incident had attracted the attention of all countries in the world.The withdrawal of the U.S.military bases from the Philippines was a very special case in the history of American diplomacy in the 20th century.Before that,the adjustment of the U.S.military bases in the Asia Pacific region was active,but the withdrawal of the bases in the Philippines was the only passive act.All this happened during the reign of Corazon Aquino.The period of Corazon Aquino was the initial period of Philippine politics from dictatorship to democratic reconstruction.After more than ten years of dictatorship,the Filipino people were eager for democracy.Driven by various forces in the Philippines,Mrs.Aquino came to the stage and took over the task of leading the Filipino people to rebuild democratic politics.During her six years as president,Mrs.Aquino had rebuilt and consolidated the democratic system,but the work of economic reconstruction was difficult due to the national debts and accumulated disadvantages.Therefore,Mrs.Aquino was on the same path as Marcos and intended to exchange U.S.economic assistance by supporting the U.S.military bases to remain in the Philippines.In addition,Filipino people and NGOs had grown up in the anti-Marcos movement and the experience increased their opposition to the United States,which supported the Marcos regime.In the freedom of political environment during the period of democratic reconstruction,the anti-base organizations,represented by Nuclear-Free Philippines Coalition,grew vigorously,relying on a strong social relation network to publicize and organize the people,forming a huge anti-base force.Meanwhile,most of the senators persecuted by Marcos or participated in the anti-Marcos movement,possessing strong nationalist sentiment.Under the pressure of lobbying by anti-base NGOs and public demonstrations,the Senate accepted the will of the people and rejected the new agreement to postpone the withdrawal of the U.S.military bases.From perspectives of the attitude of the president,the Senate and NGOs to the U.S.military base during the period of Corazon Aquino,this paper explores their views and causes,and reveals the new changes in this period and the main reason for the withdrawal of the U.S.military bases.