'Our leaders are more preoccupied with appearing popular and democratic without doing the reforms'

HE WAS Marcos's defense minister, but Enrile and his men had been plotting to oust the strongman since 1982. Their attempt to finally attack Malacañang and take over power in February 1986 was found out, however, forcing them to retreat and make a last stand at Camp Aguinaldo. The failed coup turned into a successful popular uprising, thanks to the support of the Roman Catholic Church and mainly middle-class Filipinos. Today Enrile, now on his third Senate term, still regrets handing over power to Cory Aquino in 1986, saying the country needs strong, visionary leaders.

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