THE MARCOS TRUMP PLAYBOOK

I started writing this blog 15 years ago. At the time I wrote about things that occurred on a particular day, usually the day on which I posted the piece. On the 25th February I noted that President Marcos of the Philippines fled that country in disgrace on the 25th February 1986. That was 40 years ago. He took with him a considerable amount of money that he had grafted from the State, mostly dollars that had been given to the Philippine Government by the United States. Indeed, the level of corruption by the Marcos family having apparently purloined between $5 billion to $10 billion is unsurpassed. There have been a variety of court case leading to convictions, garnishing of assets, repayments and appeals, some of which have yet to be finalised. There is apparently still an outstanding warrant in the United States, yet Marcos’s son, Bongbong Marcos, is current President of the Philippines. 

It is difficult to comprehend why the citizens of the Philippines continue to elected this family to public office, given their history of colossal graft, corruption and human rights abuses. Some monies have beed returned to the Philippine Government, but nothing like what it should get. 

Presidents of States have a history of enriching themselves. It is surprising how that can happen even in democratic countries; although, as regards the Philippines, it did not stay democratic for long.  During Ferdinand Marcos’ regime he soon declare Martial Law and ran the country under these conditions from 1972 to 1981.  He described his rule as ‘constitutional authoritarianism’ and granted himself additional powers under a new constitution in 1973.  

In looking over the Marcos playbook it would appear that the current President of the United States is closely following the agenda. Over inflated claims, illegal use of executive orders to impose tariffs and other unconstitutional schemes. Open corruption in receipts of foreign gifts and private enterprises promoted by the use of his office to sell bitcoins, bibles and other Trump sponsored knick-knacks. Appointment of unqualified  federal officials and deployment of same as terror troops. One could on and on with the comparison. 

How long will it be before the American citizens get hold of themselves and move this man out of office. I have long held the view that Mr Trump is the same kind of gangster the country saw in Al Capone. The New York Times, I am told, has finally come round to that view. When will the rest of the country.