Republic of the Philippines

LYCEUM DE SAN PABLO

Mahabang Parang D.I Calihan Brgy. San Francisco
San Pablo Laguna, San Pablo City, Philippines

Bachelor of Science in Criminology

From Dictatorship to Democracy: Understanding the

Rise and Impact of Martial Law in the Philippines
under Ferdinand Marcos

In partial Fulfillment for the Subject of

Character Formation Nationalism & Patriotism CFLM 1

Submitted

By:

Amurao, John Marc G.

Almirañez, Aira Joy B.
Balba, Ladylen G.
Cortez, John Warren P.
Pagulayan, Angela C.

STUDENT

2024
 Republic of the Philippines
LYCEUM DE SAN PABLO
Mahabang Parang D.I Calihan Brgy. San Francisco
San Pablo Laguna, San Pablo City, Philippines

Bachelor of Science in Criminology

I. RESEARCH & ANALYSIS

Martial law in the Philippines refers to the various historical instances in

which the Philippines head of state placed all or part of the country under
military control, authoritarian governance, curtailment of civil liberties, and
widespread human rights abuses, during the administration of Ferdinand
Marcos. Marcos wielded extraordinary powers, justifying his actions under
the pretext of restoring order and stability from 1972 to 1981. However, the
reality was a period of repression, political suppression, and economic
exploitation.

Ferdinand declared and signed Proclamation No. 1081 on September 21,

1972, marking the beginning of fourteen years of one-man rule that
effectively lasted until Marcos was exiled. On September 23, 1972, two days
after he issued Proclamation No. 1081, President Ferdinand Marcos reported
on TV that he had set the Philippines under military regulation, expressing
he had done as such considering the "communist threat" presented by the
recently established Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the
secretariat "rebellion" of the Muslim Independence Development (MIM). The
country was taken by surprise by this quick action. The writ of habeas
corpus, which provides legal protection against wrongful detention, was
suspended, media outlets were closed, and lawmakers from the opposition
like Lorenzo Tañada, Jose W. Diokno, and Jovito Salonga were taken into
custody.

During Martial law, Marcos targeted political opponents, activists,

journalists, and anyone perceived as a threat to his regime. Thousands of
people were detained without warrants, tortured, and killed outside of a
court's jurisdiction. Loyalty was enforced through fear and intimidation by
the military and police, who operated without suspicion. Even though the
crackdown was violent, Marcos's goal was not to crush resistance. To restrain
communism in Southeast Asia during the Cold War, he also started several
large-scale infrastructure projects, some of which were supported by US
money. These initiatives, however, were frequently tainted with corruption
and did nothing to alleviate the poverty of many Filipinos while enriching
Marco's allies.

The Philippines experienced a panic attack. Anyone suspected of

dissenting could be arrested and detained by the military and police.
Extrajudicial executions, torture, and disappearances became frequent
 Republic of the Philippines
LYCEUM DE SAN PABLO
Mahabang Parang D.I Calihan Brgy. San Francisco
San Pablo Laguna, San Pablo City, Philippines

Bachelor of Science in Criminology

occurrences. But native movements, student activism, and the Catholic

Church fought and did not budge from martial law. International
condemnation mounted as reports of human rights abuses emerged,
pressuring Marcos to lift martial law on January 17. However, his
authoritarian grip on power endured until February 25, 1986. when a
peaceful uprising, known as the People Power Revolution, ousted him from
office. The 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution gathered millions of Filipinos
from all walks of life to march along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA),
the main artery of Metro Manila, to end the dictatorship of President
Ferdinand E. Marcos and begin a new era marked by true freedom and
democracy.

According to Amnesty International, 70,000 people were imprisoned and

34,000 tortured, while 3,240 were killed from 1972 to 1981 during that time.
Martial law under Ferdinand Marcos remains a dark chapter in Philippine
history, characterized by repression, violence, and corruption. It is a stark
reminder of the dangers of unchecked executive power and the importance
of safeguarding democracy. Also, martial law serves as a continual reminder
of the fight for freedom and human rights. The legacy of martial law
continues to shape Philippine politics and society, underscoring the ongoing
struggle for justice, accountability, and democratic governance.

II. CRITICAL THINKING & REFLECTION

1. Analyze the impact of your chosen event or figure on Philippine

society, politics, culture, and identity. Consider both immediate
effects and long-term consequences.

The imposition of Martial Law in the Philippines has a big impact on

society, politics, culture, and identity. It has immediate effects and long-term
consequences.

o Socially, martial law has led to the suspension of civil liberties,

increased militarization, and widespread human rights violations.
People live in fear, in a country that is full of repression and
surveillance, and dissent is brutally suppressed.

o Politically, martial law concentrated power in the hands of Marcos

and his allies, weakening democratic institutions and
concentrating power within the executive branch. Opposition
 Republic of the Philippines
LYCEUM DE SAN PABLO
Mahabang Parang D.I Calihan Brgy. San Francisco
San Pablo Laguna, San Pablo City, Philippines

Bachelor of Science in Criminology

parties have been silenced, checks and balances weakened,

leading to unchecked governance and widespread corruption.

o Culturally, under martial law, the government imposed strict

controls on media, literature, music, and other forms of cultural
production, leading to self-censorship and the marginalization of
critical voices. Many artists, writers, and intellectuals were
persecuted or forced into exile, leading to a loss of creative
freedom and intellectual diversity.

o In terms of identity, martial law prompted a reassessment of

national values and the meaning of democracy. This sparked a
collective struggle for freedom and justice, shaping stories of
resilience and resistance that endure throughout Philippine
history.

Overall, the imposition of martial law under Ferdinand Marcos left a

legacy of trauma, distrust of government institutions, and ongoing debates
about the balance between security and freedom. It also brought about a
renaissance of culture and identity, as the Filipino people continued to deal
with the consequences of this turbulent period in our history.

2. Reflect on the perspectives of different stakeholders (e.g.,

indigenous peoples, colonizers, revolutionaries, civilians) involved
in or affected by the event. How did their viewpoints and interests
shape the course of history?

During the martial law under Ferdinand Marcos in the Philippines,

various stakeholders had distinct perspectives and interests, which
significantly shaped the course of history:

o For indigenous people, during martial law, existing grievances and

injustices experienced by indigenous people worsened. Indigenous
lands and their rights are under threat from colonization and
government policies. Martial law also restricted their freedoms and
increased the power imbalance between the natives and the
government. Their perspective may be one of fighting and preserving
their cultural heritage, which is gradually disappearing or being
destroyed, and obtaining or restoring their rights as indigenous people
that were lost due to martial law. However, this did not stop them from
fighting for their rights and preserving their culture. Until now, their
 Republic of the Philippines
LYCEUM DE SAN PABLO
Mahabang Parang D.I Calihan Brgy. San Francisco
San Pablo Laguna, San Pablo City, Philippines

Bachelor of Science in Criminology

culture and tradition have been preserved, even though there are
passing events that almost cause their culture to disappear and not be
known for generations to come.

o From the perspective of the colonizers or the government imposing

martial law, the main concern may be to maintain control and stability.
They can justify martial law if it is necessary for national security or to
restore order in the face of perceived threats, such as rebellion or civil
unrest. Also, the foreign powers, particularly the United States, had
complex interests during this period. While the public supported
democracy and human rights, they often supported Marcos because of
strategic and economic interests in the region. The US provided
military aid, which strengthened the regime's power. Some argue that
their support prolonged Marcos' rule, despite growing domestic
opposition. Their interests lie in consolidating power and suppressing
dissent, even if that means violating civil liberties. Their efforts may be
seen as ineffective because of the occurrence of violence rather than
peace, leading to the loss of individual freedom. Between the
government and the people, things did not go well. There was a lack
of trust, and it can be said that it still exists today.

o Revolutionaries or Opposition groups, including left-wing

organizations, student activists, the Catholic Church, and political
dissidents, strongly opposed Marcos' authoritarian rule. They viewed
martial law as a suppression of democracy and a way for Marcos to
consolidate power. These groups organized protests, strikes, and
secret movements, aiming to overthrow the regime. Their resilience
and determination led to the People Power Revolution in 1986, which
ousted Marcos from power. There was democracy again, and the
freedom and rights of Filipinos that we have been able to achieve until
now have been restored.

o Civilians caught in the middle of martial law may experience different

perspectives depending on their circumstances. Others may think that
this is exactly what is needed to restore order and security, especially
if they are threatened by unrest or violence. Others may feel
disillusioned and fearful of the government's approach, especially if
they become targets of arbitrary detention and violence. Although
some benefited from Marcos' policies, particularly those aligned with
the regime or part of the elite class, many also suffered from human
rights abuses and economic hardship. The imposition of martial law
instilled fear and uncertainty in the population, leading to widespread
 Republic of the Philippines
LYCEUM DE SAN PABLO
Mahabang Parang D.I Calihan Brgy. San Francisco
San Pablo Laguna, San Pablo City, Philippines

Bachelor of Science in Criminology

discontent and resistance. The impact on civilians can vary depending

on factors such as socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and political
affiliation.

The perspectives and interests of various stakeholders play a crucial

role in determining how martial law is perceived, resisted, or accepted,
ultimately influencing its long-term consequences. Indigenous peoples,
revolutionaries, and civilians challenged the regime's oppressive policies,
while colonizers maintained strategic alliances with Marcos. Ultimately, the
collective resistance and determination of various stakeholders, coupled with
international pressure, contributed to the downfall of the Marcos dictatorship
and the restoration of democracy in the Philippines.

3. Evaluate the role of leadership, ideology, and socio-economic

factors in shaping the event or the actions of the historical figure.

The imposition of martial law under Ferdinand Marcos in the Philippines

in 1972 was an important event that significantly shaped the history of the
Philippines. Examining the roles of leadership, ideology, and socio-economic
factors provides important insights into understanding this period.

o The leadership of Ferdinand Marcos played a big role in the declaration

of martial law. As the president of the Philippines, Marcos had great
power and authority. His decision to impose martial law was driven by
his desire to maintain control of the country amid rising political
opposition and social unrest. He used the military and security
apparatus to suppress dissent and consolidate his power, essentially
establishing a dictatorship under the guise of restoring law and order.
Marcos centralized power in his hands, effectively suspending
democratic institutions and stifling dissent. His leadership style,
characterized by authoritarianism and a willingness to use force to
suppress opposition, was instrumental in shaping the events of martial
law that caused Filipinos to learn to fight for their rights and restore
democracy.

o Marcos justified the imposition of martial law through the ideology of

"constitutional authoritarianism". Also, Marcos' ideology was deeply
influenced by his belief in authoritarianism and his vision of a "New
Society" for the Philippines. He justified the imposition of martial law
as necessary for restoring law and order, combating communist
insurgency, and promoting economic development. He portrayed
 Republic of the Philippines
LYCEUM DE SAN PABLO
Mahabang Parang D.I Calihan Brgy. San Francisco
San Pablo Laguna, San Pablo City, Philippines

Bachelor of Science in Criminology

himself as a strong leader who needed powers to address the

perceived threats of communism, insurgency, and political instability.
Marcos promoted the idea that a centralized, authoritarian government
was necessary for national unity, progress, and development.
However, this ideology served as a convenient cover for Marcos to
maintain his grip on power and silence the voices of the opposition. In
reality, martial law was used to suppress dissent, stifle civil liberties,
and perpetuate Marcos' rule. It ended up being a violent and unjust
event experienced by Filipinos that will not be forgotten until today.

o Socio-economic factors also contributed significantly to the imposition

of martial law. In the years leading up to martial law, the Philippines
faced numerous challenges, including economic stagnation, social
inequality, and political instability. The socio-economic disparities
between the rich and poor caused social unrest and political discord.
Also, socio-economic factors like income inequality, agrarian issues,
corruption, and labor exploitation allowed Marcos to consolidate power
through martial law. He promised reforms but enriched his allies,
worsening inequality and perpetuating injustice. Agrarian issues,
including disputes over land ownership and agrarian reform, and rural
poverty worsened and contributed to resistance to his regime.
Rampant corruption and crony capitalism enriched Marcos and his
allies, eroding trust in institutions and exacerbating socio-economic
disparities. Labor exploitation and limited rights for workers further
perpetuated socio-economic injustice, with labor activism suppressed
under martial law. Marcos capitalized on these grievances, presenting
himself as a strong leader capable of addressing the country's
problems. However, rather than addressing the root causes of
inequality and injustice, Marcos' regime exacerbated socio-economic
disparities, leading to widespread discontent and resistance.

In conclusion, the imposition of martial law under Ferdinand Marcos was

shaped by a combination of leadership, ideology, and socio-economic
factors. Marcos' authoritarian leadership style, with his ideological
commitment to centralized control and his exploitation of socio-economic
grievances, paved the way for the declaration of martial law and subsequent
abuses of power that defined this period in Philippine history.

4. Discuss the relevance and lessons that can be drawn from your
chosen event or figure in the context of contemporary Philippine
society and global history.
 Republic of the Philippines
LYCEUM DE SAN PABLO
Mahabang Parang D.I Calihan Brgy. San Francisco
San Pablo Laguna, San Pablo City, Philippines

Bachelor of Science in Criminology

Ferdinand Marcos' declaration of martial law had a profound effect on

Philippine history and society. It was put into effect between 1972 and 1981
and was characterized by censorship, political repression, and grave
violations of human rights. The lessons that can be learned from this era are
essential to comprehending the significance of preserving the rule of law,
democracy, and human rights. Martial Law's legacy warns of authoritarian
control's dangers and the importance of defending democratic institutions in
modern Philippine society, with ongoing atrocities impacting the political
climate. The Philippines' martial law lessons are relevant globally in
combating authoritarianism and defending human rights, emphasizing the
importance of democracy, civil liberties, and political accountability. All things
considered, Ferdinand Marcos' martial law experience provides insightful
knowledge about the vulnerability of democracy and the ongoing fight for
justice and freedom. It serves as a reminder of the eternal principles that
must be preserved, to guarantee a just and equal society, and its relevance
goes well beyond the boundaries of the Philippines.

III. REFERENCES

Edulan, J. (n.d.-b). Research_Paper_Martial_Law.docx. Scribd.

https://www.scribd.com/document/405390889/Research-Paper-Martial-Law-

docx?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3Mtkss4h0XFT6BEkZods7H4Ju38CcWASd

cxyIQWcindf1PrUfPAjZKc0c_aem_ -eBn7O6o2c7aGL6b

Francisco, K. (2022b, August 18). Martial Law, the dark chapter in Philippine history. RAPPLER.

https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/146939-martial-law-explainer-victims-stories/

Pacomios, S. J. (2016b). Research paper Martial Law. www.academia.edu.

https://www.academia.edu/23553952/Research_Paper_Martial_Law?fbclid=IwZXh0bgN

hZW0CMTAAAR02DVnpuEi2z8qYVIBud2Crgugt8VP1WpCz

Philippines | History, Map, flag, Population, capital, & Facts. (2024b, April 26). Encyclopedia

Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/place/Philippines/Martial-law