DBWI: The Philippines Doesn't Dominate ASEAN

In our reality, the presidencies of Magsaysay, Marcos, and Aquino have helped solidify the role of the Philippines as second only to Japan in the Asia-Pacific Region. Following the end of Second World War, free-market policies and rapid industrialization helped the Philippines maintain its spot as Southeast Asia's largest economy and premier military power.

After Sabah voted to join the Philippines due to their prosperity and promise of religious freedom, the 'Sandata' nuclear test of the 60s, their uncontested control over the Benham Rise and the Spratly Islands, and the successful Philippine-led ASC (Asian Security Confederation) intervention into Greater Indonesia, which saw the independence of Malaya, Brunei-Sarawak, Singapore, Aceh, and other minor states, the Philippines was only second to none in Southeast Asia

What if, after the Second World War, the administration of the country wasn't as great as it was in our timeline?
 
Even if you lowered the Philippines' economic standing, it would still be a formidable power. The only difference is it would have less ability to ward of the Chinese from the West Philippine Sea. The only reason the Chinese (now democratic) are wary of claiming stuff from the Philippines is that the Philippines is a large naval power, has the entire backing of ASEAN and the United States, as the Philippines grew closer to the United States as it became more prosperous.
 
OOC: My answer was based on the premise that if the Philippines were rich in any TL, they couldn't fathom a scenario in which the Philippines was severely underdeveloped like IOTL.
 
I don't know, it could have gone really badly. The 70s were a troubled time, especially after the oil crisis. There were tense stand-offs between our American-supported government and the leftists. It could have gone badly indeed, considering how heavy-handed the Americans are. If it weren't for Magsaysay's deft hand at diplomacy, our country could have gone a dark path indeed.

Of course, American investment was crucial. After the fall of Japan in early 1946 and the stalemate of the Chinese Civil War in 1947, the Philippines was the only true bastion of democracy left in the region. Of course they invested in Japan after the Republic of Japan reunified in the early 60s and went on to experience an economic miracle, and South China became a regional power with the reforms of Chiang Ching-kuo in the 70s, but those long years after the war were essential in establishing the Philippines.
 
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OOC: My answer was based on the premise that if the Philippines were rich in any TL, they couldn't fathom a scenario in which the Philippines was severely underdeveloped like IOTL.

OOC: The only way the Philippines is getting rich after America exploits it for all its worth is if it also invests in the country. And that won't happen unless investing in the Philippines is worth it. So yep, I'm going full tilt Decisive Darkness. :p
 
That said, Thailand has the potential to be an equal partner to the Philippines. Under King Bhumibol Adulyadej and his ministers, the kingdom has become the strongest individual economy in mainland Southeast Asia aside from the Philippines. Perhaps if you avoid the military juntas, Thailand would have an even stronger position in the ASEAN than our own republic does.
 
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