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Washington closely watched the power shift in Manila, partly because of the special relationship between the U.S. and the Philippines, a former colonial ward, partly because of the strategic importance of U.S. bases there, and partly because of what the White House saw as a timely confirmation of one of its most controversial foreign policies. In a meeting with journalists, President Reagan argued that the Administration's deft handling of the Philippine crisis strengthened the case for increased U.S. aid to the contra rebels, who are battling the Marxist Sandinista regime in Nicaragua. Explained Secretary of State George Shultz, who followed Reagan at the briefing: "We see in Nicaragua, much more than in the Philippines, a government at odds with its people." A State Department aide put it more politically. "We feel we're on a roll," he said. "Now we want to use that momentum and apply it to the contras."
Sweet as Aquino's victory was, the morning after for her fledgling government came all too soon. The triumph over Marcos may soon seem easy, compared with the tasks ahead. The once promising Philippine economy is moribund. The military is factionalized and riddled with corruption. A Communist insurgency mounted by the New People's Army threatens large areas of the 7,100-island archipelago. To this staggering array of ills, Aquino brings a moral force and a popularity that will buy her the indulgence and goodwill of the Filipino people, at least for a while. "There are big problems in the + Philippines," said a senior U.S. State Department official last week. "We have always felt that only a government that enjoyed a genuine popular mandate could effectively address them."
There is no question that Aquino, who was transformed from mere symbol to forceful leader over the past six months, has the mandate. What she lacks is experience in governing. At her first presidential conference, Aquino asked the country for patience. "I'm doing my very best," she said. "I only wish that people would give us time."
Such an appeal is hardly necessary as long as most Filipinos are caught up in the euphoria of what they call liberation. But the confetti and adoring crowds cannot last forever. "This government is sincerely committed to reform," says one Western diplomat. "But they will learn that this is easier said than done." There will be a honeymoon, perhaps six months, after which 56 million Filipinos will expect to see results from their new leaders. "No matter how good she is," observed Senator Joseph Biden, a Delaware Democrat, "she is almost incapable of meeting the expectations of the Philippine people." Said Ernesto Maceda, Aquino's Minister of Natural Resources: "There really was no forward planning for a sudden assumption of office. Our problems are just beginning."