The Philippines in 2006 - Democracy and its discontents

A wide range of groups attempted to force President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo out of power in 2006 but failed. The attempt prompted the declaration of a state of emergency and plunged the country deeper into crisis. The year was marked by internecine rivalries among the country's elites, restiveness in the armed forces, and a renewed campaign against communists. But the economy seemed insulated from political uncertainty, posting high growth because of rising export receipts, more foreign investments, and record remittances from overseas workers.