The Philippines is the third largest English speaking country in the world. It has a rich history combining Asian, European, and American influences. Prior to Spanish colonization in 1521, the Filipinos had a rich culture and were trading with the Chinese and the Japanese. Spain's colonization brought about the construction of Intramuros in 1571, a "Walled City" comprised of European buildings and churches, replicated in different parts of the archipelago. In 1898, after 350 years and 300 rebellions, the Filipinos, with leaders like Jose Rizal and Emilio Aguinaldo, succeeded in winning their independence.

In 1898, the Philippines became the first and only colony of the United States. Following the Philippine-American War, the United States brought widespread education to the islands. Filipinos fought alongside Americans during World War II, particularly at the famous battle of Bataan and Corregidor which delayed Japanese advance and saved Australia. They then waged a guerilla war against the Japanese from 1941 to 1945. After the war, the Philippines regained its independence after the United States withdrew its sovereignty over the Philippines on July 4, 1946.

The years that followed saw how the country developed from an independent state to a budding Republic. Five administrations, namely that of Manuel Roxas, Elpidio Quirino, Ramon Magsaysay, Carlos P. Garcia, and Diosdado Macapagal sought to expand Philippine ties to its Asian neighbors, implement domestic reform programs, and develop and diversify the economy.

In 1965, Ferdinand Marcos, a young senator defeated President Diosdado Macapagal in the presidential election. During his first term, the country tasted economic prosperity throughout the 1970's. He won his second term in 1969 but due to a rising wave of lawlessness and the threat of a Communist insurgency as justification, Marcos declared martial law on September 21, 1972 by virtue of Proclamation No. 1081. Marcos, ruling by decree, curtailed press freedom and other civil liberties; closed down Congress and media establishments; and ordered the arrest of opposition leaders and militant activists, including his staunchest critics Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr. and Senator Jose Diokno.

The opposition united under Senator Ninoy Aquino’s widow, Corazon Aquino who ran against the former dictator in a snap election in February 7, 1986. Marcos was declared the winner but because of widespread reports of cheating and violence, the Aquino’s supporters, as well as a US delegation denounced the result. This led to a peaceful civilian-military uprising, famously known as EDSA Revolution, which forced Marcos into exile and installed Corazon Aquino as president on 25 February 1986.

Aquino’s assumption to power marked the beginning of democracy restoration in the country. She immediately formed a revolutionary government and appointed a constitution commission to write a new constitution to restore civil liberties, the presidential form of government and bicameral congress. In 1987, the new constitution was finally ratified, signaling the country’s return to democracy.