The Ghost of Marcos
The spirit of the Philippines' dictator lives on
The rehabilitation of Marcos's cronies raises serious questions about whether history could ever repeat itself. It feels like a long time since the Philippines were under his brutal regime, but his legacy remains strong.
Inside her lavish apartment, Imelda Marcos is pleased to show us a picture of President Estrada in pride of place. Under previous Presidents she found it difficult even to return to the country but now she's back in favour posing in gaudy sequins at every society event. Thirteen years after the Marcos tyranny was toppled in the Philippines, history is threatening to repeat itself. Former actor, playboy, and now President, Estrada has appointed as his executive secretary Ronaldo Zamora, the former palace manager for President Marcos. Opposition figures are appalled. Cory Aquino is once again donning her symbolic "people power yellow" and is leading street protests. At a September rally she warns hundreds of students against "forces and individuals who think only of their selfish interests to the detriment of our country." Estrada refuses to listen but perhaps he should because the Church and the woman in yellow brought down Marcos and today they're determined to exorcise his ghost.
Produced by ABC Australia
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