Some Are Smarter Than Others: The History of Marcos' Crony Capitalism

by Ricardo Manapat

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Politics, Biography

573 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Ann Louise De Leon · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Beware of history, for no secret can be hidden from her.”
-Gregoria de Jesus, widow of Andres Bonifacio
Mga Tala ng Aking Buhay at mga Ulat ng Katipunan (Manila:1932)

Tito Ric Manapat presented in detail how the state power was used to intervene in the economy and also how few wealthy individuals were created while majority of the Filipinos were living in poverty.In the field of political historiography, Manapat’s Some Are Smarter Than Others can be seen as a throwback to the exposes of the Marcos Regime.

[Rusty Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may jut be the most important contemporary history literature centered on the Marcos era. Extensively researched, excellent writing that is easily accessible. If anyone wants to learn about the economic and financial side of the dark regime, this is the book to consume.
I haven’t processed this in my head yet, but will sure dedicate some time to digest and fully comprehend this book that just blew me away.

[Harold · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m sure an updated version would yield more details and painful realities that show why the Philippines in the state that it is - being left behind. It’s a tedious and painful read and surprisingly, full of names, places and events that one wouldn’t think were related to the Marcos’ but they were. And that’s how huge the impact of the Marcoses were in pillaging the country and stunting its growth cursing generations to come. It is a book that will stoke the fires of anger and indignation at the Marcoses greed and the mismanagement we see afterwards. Then again, Marcos and his cronies systematically drained the country in a sophisticated manner which I guess many people want - an organised crime factory than the messy reality of building a nation through democracy (even through the sheer incompetence and deviousness of some).

[Matthew Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the comprehensive volume, you will see excesses, greed, materialism and power all sensed into a single book. If Robles brought out the brutality of the Marcos dictatorship, Manapat showed the kleptocracy of the Marcos regime and his associates at work down to the very single penny. From sales records, listing of various properties, it opens the eyes of people to the bewilderment of not only readers of politics but of history that references the extravagances of the Ancien Regime of Louis and Marie Antoinette.

[Karlo Mikhail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just as the subtitle says. A must read for all Filipinos.

[Laine G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comprehensive accounts on the corruption and kleptocracy the Filipino people suffered from during the Marcos dictatorship.

[Agnes Hilario · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where massive and organized disinformation is the engine that fragments - this well-researched document is TRUTH for our times. Get a copy now.

[Joen Rico Orde · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book about the Martial Law