- Frequent changes in government, with five presidents serving during the Third Republic's 20-year span
- Widespread corruption and nepotism, leading to a decline in public trust in government institutions
- Lack of national unity, with deep divisions along political, economic, and regional lines
2. Economic Challenges
- High levels of poverty and unemployment, particularly in rural areas
- Rapid population growth, straining the country's resources and infrastructure
- Heavy reliance on agriculture, making the economy vulnerable to natural disasters and fluctuations in global commodity prices
3. Social Unrest
- Violent clashes between government forces and communist and Muslim separatist groups, resulting in numerous civilian casualties and displacement
- Human rights abuses by both government and rebel forces
- Increasing crime rates and social unrest, fueled by poverty and inequality
4. Natural Disasters
- The Philippines was hit by several major natural disasters during the Third Republic, including typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions
- These disasters caused widespread damage to infrastructure and agriculture, as well as loss of life
5. International Relations
- The Philippines faced complex international relations, including:
- The Marcos regime's close ties with the United States, which provided economic and military aid but also drew criticism for its human rights record
- Growing tensions with neighboring countries over territorial disputes
- Increasing involvement in regional organizations, such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
These challenges laid the foundation for the eventual downfall of the Third Republic and the Marcos regime, and played a significant role in shaping the trajectory of Philippine politics and society in the decades that followed.