Sin, Jaime
(b. 1928), Roman Catholic Archbishop of Manila. Jaime Cardinal Sin is well known for his role in the ouster of president and dictator Ferdinand Marcos in 1986. When the minister of defense, Juan Ponce Enrile, and vice–chief of staff, Fidel Ramos (later president, 1992–1998), refused to support Marcos's attempt to manipulate the presidential election and staged a revolt, Cardinal Sin called on Filipinos throughout metropolitan Manila to support Enrile and Ramos. Thousands responded by swarming the two military camps along Epifanio de los Santos Boulevard (also known as EDSA) where Enrile and Ramos were holed up. Within days Marcos went into exile in Hawaii and Corazon Aquino was sworn in as president (1986–1992).
With the "EDSA Revolution," Sin emerged as a major moral force in Philippine politics. In 1997–1998, for example, he opposed constitutional amendments that would allow President Ramos a second term, and in 1999–2000 he supported the impeachment of President Joseph Estrada for taking millions in illegal gambling payoffs. An outspoken critic of graft and corruption in Philippine politics, Sin has worked to improve Philippine democracy and has repeatedly urged Filipinos to cast their vote based on the issues, not personalities.
Further Reading
Bautista, Felix B. (1987) Cardinal Sin and the Miracle of Asia. Manila, Philippines: Vera-Reyes.
Cerbo, Nestor C., ed. (1999) Along the Right Path. Manila, Philippines: Archdiocesan Office for Research and Development.
Suerte Felipe, Virgilio T. J., ed. (1987) Cardinal Sin and the February Revolution. Manila, Philippines: TJ Publications.
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