Reform the Armed Forces Movement
Encyclopedia
The Reform the Armed Forces Movement, also referred to by the acronym RAM, is a cabal of officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
(AFP) that attempted to seize power in the Philiipines during the 1980s and 1990s. These officers were instrumental in the destabilization of the Ferdinand Marcos
and Cory Aquino presidencies.
in the Armed Forces of the Philippines in 1980. The RAM officers, most of whom were graduates of the Philippine Military Academy
Classes of 1971, 1972, and 1978, developed their careers during the Martial Law Years
(September 21, 1972 to January 17, 1981).
From being an apolitical and professional organization, the AFP during the Marcos administration became highly politicized, and promotions were given not through merit but through affiliation or patronage - in the Philippines this is better known as the Padrino System
. The PMA Class of 1971 Matatag, spearheaded the struggle of RAM to "reform the service, foster nationalism and patriotism, and fight against corruption and criminal activities." As well as tackle the "problem of favoritism, incompetence, and corruption in senior leadership."
RAM played a crucial role in the mutiny that spurred the first EDSA People Power Revolution in the Philippines. But after the downfall of the Marcos dictatorial regime, the RAM movement was used repeatedly by the anti-Aquino faction of the elite for their own ends, i.e., in order to stage successive coups d'état
against the Aquino administration in their bid for power. All these coup attempts failed miserably in the end.
Armed Forces of the Philippines
The Armed Forces of the Philippines is composed of the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force...
(AFP) that attempted to seize power in the Philiipines during the 1980s and 1990s. These officers were instrumental in the destabilization of the Ferdinand Marcos
Ferdinand Marcos
Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos, Sr. was a Filipino leader and an authoritarian President of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986. He was a lawyer, member of the Philippine House of Representatives and a member of the Philippine Senate...
and Cory Aquino presidencies.
Formation
RAM was founded by a group of junior military officers who were disgruntled by the patronage politics and corruptionPolitical corruption
Political corruption is the use of legislated powers by government officials for illegitimate private gain. Misuse of government power for other purposes, such as repression of political opponents and general police brutality, is not considered political corruption. Neither are illegal acts by...
in the Armed Forces of the Philippines in 1980. The RAM officers, most of whom were graduates of the Philippine Military Academy
Philippine Military Academy
The Philippine Military Academy or PMA, is the Philippine military school for the Armed Forces of the Philippines . PMA was established on December 21, 1936 by the virtue of Commonwealth Act No. 1 . PMA is located in Baguio, Benguet province...
Classes of 1971, 1972, and 1978, developed their careers during the Martial Law Years
Martial Law in the Philippines
Martial law in the Philippines refers to the period of Philippine history where Philippine Presidents declare a proclamation to control unpacified places under the rule of Military, it is usually given when threatened by popular protests, or to crack down on the opposition...
(September 21, 1972 to January 17, 1981).
From being an apolitical and professional organization, the AFP during the Marcos administration became highly politicized, and promotions were given not through merit but through affiliation or patronage - in the Philippines this is better known as the Padrino System
Padrino System
Padrino System, or patronage in the Filipino culture and politics is the value system where one gains favor, promotion, or political appointment through family affiliation or friendship , as opposed to one's merit...
. The PMA Class of 1971 Matatag, spearheaded the struggle of RAM to "reform the service, foster nationalism and patriotism, and fight against corruption and criminal activities." As well as tackle the "problem of favoritism, incompetence, and corruption in senior leadership."
RAM played a crucial role in the mutiny that spurred the first EDSA People Power Revolution in the Philippines. But after the downfall of the Marcos dictatorial regime, the RAM movement was used repeatedly by the anti-Aquino faction of the elite for their own ends, i.e., in order to stage successive coups d'état
Coup d'état
A coup d'état state, literally: strike/blow of state)—also known as a coup, putsch, and overthrow—is the sudden, extrajudicial deposition of a government, usually by a small group of the existing state establishment—typically the military—to replace the deposed government with another body; either...
against the Aquino administration in their bid for power. All these coup attempts failed miserably in the end.
Plot against Ferdinand E. Marcos
RAM attempted to bomb the Malacanang Palace during the events of the People Power. However, they failed and instead supported the events in EDSA that would eventually put Cory Aquino in the place of Marcos.Renaming
In 1990, RAM cut its ties with the SFP (Soldiers of the Filipino People), and changed its name to Rebolusyonaryong Alyansang Makabansa (Revolutionary Nationalist Alliance).See also
- Armed Forces of the PhilippinesArmed Forces of the PhilippinesThe Armed Forces of the Philippines is composed of the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force...
- People Power Revolution
- 1989 Philippine coup attempt1989 Philippine coup attemptThe most serious coup d'etat against the government of Philippine President Corazon Aquino was staged beginning December 1, 1989 by members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines belonging to the Reform the Armed Forces Movement and soldiers loyal to former President Ferdinand Marcos. Metro Manila...
- Magdalo (Bagong Katipuneros)Magdalo (Bagong Katipuneros)The Magdalo were the group of dissident soldiers who staged the unsuccessful Oakwood mutiny. Made up of junior officers of all branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, they took over the Oakwood Premier Ayala Center in Makati and demanded the resignation of senior officers in the AFP and...
- Philippine Guardians Brotherhood, Inc.
- List of revolutions and rebellions
- Coup d'étatCoup d'étatA coup d'état state, literally: strike/blow of state)—also known as a coup, putsch, and overthrow—is the sudden, extrajudicial deposition of a government, usually by a small group of the existing state establishment—typically the military—to replace the deposed government with another body; either...