ABSTRACT
If hegemonic neo-liberal orthodoxy came under attack from civil society, which wanted an alternative organisation to social and economic life, then this could be described as an organic crisis. When neo-liberal institutions advocate democracy as a form of political organisation they are less concerned with 'issues of sovereignty and power than with creating institutional structures to facilitate the operations of the market'. This chapter addresses the practical policy options in order to explore potential solutions to poverty and social insecurity. Under J. Estrada solutions to poverty through neo-liberalism were undermined because of the slowing down of economic openness, simultaneously domestic institutional reform was neglected. 'Because of Philippine-style cronyism and lack of transparency, politicians have ignored civic projects and social programs that really help the poor'. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declared her intention to counter poverty through liberalising the Filipino economy via market orientated approaches, this being a rerun of the policies adopted by F. Ramos.
