Proclamation of Martial Law: On September 21, 1972, President Ferdinand E.

Marcos placed the Philippines under Martial Law. The declaration issued under Proclamation
1081 suspended the civil rights and imposed military authority in the country. Marcos defended
the declaration stressing the need for extra powers to quell the rising wave of violence allegedly
caused by communists (Philippine History, 2017). When President Ferdinand E. Marcos declared
Martial Law, it was never clear to us young people what it really meant and why it was declared.
According to Cadigal (2017) Marcos explained citing the provisions from the Philippine
Constitution that Martial Law is a strategic approach to legally defend the Constitution and
protect the welfare of the Filipino people from the dangerous threats posed by Muslim rebel
groups and Christian vigilantes that places national security at risk during the time. Marcos
explained that martial law was not a military takeover but was then the only option to resolve the
countrys dilemma on rebellion that stages national chaos threatening the peace and order of the
country. The emergency rule, according to Marcos plan, was to lead the country into what he
calls a New Society (Philippine headline news online, 2016). According to Gavilan (2017)
Marcos cited the increasing threat of communism to justify the declaration. There are so many
theories, opinions, and rumors about Marcos regime. But there are only some who can clearly
disclose the real story about these which are those who have actually experienced the life under
the Marcos administration.
What do you remember about Ferdinand Marcos and Martial Law?
According to Mr. Junior Yolangco (Personal communication, on October 12, 2017) a senior
citizen, during the administration of Ex-President Ferdinand Marcos especially when he declared
the martial law, he remember that there are a lot of violence happened because military were the
one who regulates the law. It is unavoidable for the human rights to be neglected during those
times. So many Filipinos were really abused. That time under Marcos administration, through the
declaration of martial law, the authority of some officials was decreased; the traditional election
that should be done in the end of a term had stopped as well. He was the one who led our country
for 20 years.
Do you think martial law was good or bad time in the Philippine history?
According to Mr. Cipriano De Guzman (Personal communication, on October 14, 2017) a social
studies teacher, the martial law for him should not be declared by a President if the declaration is
against the constitution of the Philippines. Actually, the declaration of President Marcos was
based on the constitution. But there are some instances that, lets say, Philippines was really in
chaos that time. But that disorderliness, based on what his know, were only made up by the
government.
According to Mr. Junior Yolangco (Personal communication, on October 12, 2017) people have
different reactions; some are in favor because they believe that it will be the reason for our
country to be peaceful, especially against the bad elements. On the other hand others are really
frightened because when military becomes abusive as regulators and the president as the
commander-in-chief; there will be no legal process for the society. Nothing can stop them from
what they want or their decisions and thats why people have different reactions.
Do you consider Ferdinand Marcos as a great President?
According to Mr. Agusto Trinidad (Personal communication, on October 12, 2017) a barangay
official, for him, Marcos is great leader because he made this country more progressive. He had
so many contributions. But the people were against him because he became a dictator. And that
made his administration satisfactory.
According to Mr. Junior Yolangco (Personal communication, on October 12, 2017), teenagers are
really scared because of the violence. Those things that the Filipinos have experienced, just like,
they can arrest people anytime without warrant of arrest. There was news about people who lost
and not confirmed if theyre already dead or alive until now. Totally human rights were
neglected. Thats why the youth were really scared to experience again that kind of law.
What do you think are the contributions of Marcos to the Philippine economy during his period?
According to Mr. Cipriano De Guzman (Personal communication, on October 14, 2017) Marcos
has so many contributions. Marcos is very intelligent. But you can still see those contributions
until now. One of those is the cultural center of the Philippines and other establishments. The
laws implemented, for example, we had curfew here in the Philippines, and he is agreeing with
that.
What do the Filipinos need in order to eliminate the corruption and rebellion?
According to Mr. Agusto Trinidad (Personal communication, on October 12, 2017) as the leader
of barangay tanods, of course he will promote peace and order. And he will also teach the other
tanods that they should keep in mind that being in that position is not just for recognition but
they should also do their responsibilities. And to eliminate that, the honesty should start from
him; the tenure should start from him with a good direction.
As I heard the stories from different people, different opinions, were rebuild as well. Some of
them have negative perception about Ferdinand Marcos and martial law. But some have also
stated that the Marcos administration was an important and significant part of the Philippine
history. We Filipinos, care a lot for our country. We have always the courage to fight for our own
land. And no matter how hard the situation is, that spirit should never fade.
References:
Cadigal, C.J.(2017). Ferdinand Marcos: Martial Law. Retrieved from:
https://cicosatetech.wordpress.com/2017/08/02/ferdinand-marcos-martial-law/

Gavilan, J.(2017). Martial Law 101: Things you should know. Retrieved from:
https://www.rappler.com/nation/186370-national-security-adviser-esperon-martial-law-extension

Philippine headline news online (2017). 30 YEARS AFTER REVOLUTION, SOME

FILIPINOS YEARN FOR 'GOLDEN AGE' OF MARCOS. Retrieved from:
http://www.newsflash.org/2004/02/pe/pe005458.htm

Philippine history(2017). The Philippines During Martial Law. Retrieved from:

http://www.philippine-history.org/martial-law-philippines.htm
 MARTIAL
LAW

Jaina Andrea Marie B. Garcia

IV-BSED