Some Are Smarter than Others: The History of Marcos' Crony Capitalism

The expanded and updated version of the now-classic pamphlet of the same title published in 1989. This book documents in detail how state power was used to intervene in the economy during Marcos' rule. It focuses on how privilege and wealth were created for a few individuals while the country was inexorably pushed into increasing underdevelopment and the majority of the Filipinos were consigned to live in abject poverty. Like the 1979 pamphlet, the present book draws its title from a statement attributed to Imelda Marcos. Parrying criticisms of relatives who became overnight millionaires after her husband assumed absolute powers in 1972, Imelda countered: "Sometimes you have smart relatives who can make it...My dear, there are always people who are just a little faster, more brilliant, more aggressive." COMMENTS ON THE 1979 STUDY: "...the best overview of the cronies and their activities." --Raymond Bonner, Waltzing With a Dictator // "...impressively documented." --John Oakes, The New York Times // "...the most explosive document to have rocked Manila." --Ninon Aquino, December 1979. COMMENTS ON THE PRESENT WORK: "...a gold mine." --Edward Pound, Wall Street Journal // "...a gothic novel." --Rafael Cecilio, literary critic and educator // "...this book is without parallel. Extremely scholarly as well as relevant, this book sets a standard for scholarship and committed writing. Philippine political historiography will never be the same. This is the definitive work on the topic. Henceforth, anything written on the subject will be mere commentary on the present book." --Dennis O'Leary, veteran journalist specializing in Asia RICARDO MANAPAT authored the 1979 study of the same title. He was harassed and persecuted by the Marcos regime for his activities and had to go into exile in 1980. He invested close to 11 years to complete the present work....