The Philippines: Victory for Marcos

In their 23 years of independence, the Philippines have had six Presidents —one for each four-year term. The country's politics are intertwined with corruption and crime. Chief executives have been unable to keep their extravagant campaign promises, and public resentment has made second terms out of the question. Last week, in an abrupt departure from Philippine practice, Ferdinand Marcos was elected to his second term as President.

The victory was as much a product of Marcos' own political talents as of a fundamental change in the country's political temperament. In an effort...