The Philippines was one of the first Asian countries to stage a revolution against the colonialism of the West. The early phase of the Filipino struggle was initially carried out by local privileged intellectuals in the likes of Jose Rizal and Marcelo Del Pilar. The revolution was nationalistic in character, which is understandable because that time, nationalism was in the height of propagation in many parts of the world, specifically in Europe. This profoundly influenced Rizal’s works and inspired the oppressed masses, culminating in armed resistance organized by Andres Bonifacio in 1896.
Sa aklat na Development Debacle: The World Bank in the Philippines ng University of the Philippines professor Walden Bello, detalyadong inilarawan kung paano sistematikong sinalaula't binansot (Transnational corporation, privatization at deregulation) ng World Bank, ng CIA at mga ahensyang hawak ng Estados Unidos ang Pilipinas. Nakabukakang parang burikak na ipinagpatuloy at pinahintulutan ng administrasyong mula kay Marcos, Aquino, Ramos, Estrada hanggang sa kasalukuyang rehimen ni Ate Glo ang ang kalakaran at tradisyong pag-aapi't pagsasamantala ng US sa ating bansa.