PHILIPPINES ELECTION

Can the Philippines Stay on Track?

Under President Benigno Aquino III, the Philippines has recovered its economic credibility. As the democracy of more than 100 million people faces elections in May, the WSJ charts the Philippines’ recent progress, and asks what Mr. Aquino’s successor must do to complete the country’s transformation from the “Sick Man of Asia” into the region’s next economic star.

How the Philippines Lost Its Way

In 1960, the resource-rich Philippines had a higher per capita gross-domestic product than China, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea or Thailand. But decades of economic mismanagement reduced it to the poorest of these six East Asian economies by 2003.

Today it is far behind.

Economic Resurgence Under President Benigno Aquino III

Since President Benigno Aquino III took office in 2010, the Philippine economy has grown strongly, especially compared to some of its neighbors.

Aquino’s Flagship Programs

Aquino’s Successes

The economy has boomed.

Aquino’s Failures

But there is also much unfinished business.

Two Manilas

Rapid growth has meant new opportunities for the elite, but the gap between rich and poor remains among the largest in Asia.

On the New President’s Desk: Five Priorities

The Presidential Candidates

The Dangers of Bad Leadership

The decades since World War II have shown the dangers of bad leadership in the Philippines. Will history repeat itself?

Reporting and Research

Trefor Moss and Patrick Barta

Design and Development

Andrew James, David Chan Tik Wai and MinJung Kim

Video

Warangkana Chomchuen

Virtual Reality Video

Thomas Di Fonzo and Warangkana Chomchuen

Published April 18, 2016 at 2 a.m. ET

Source: www.graphics.wsj.com