Ferdinand Marcos and Martial Law in the Philippines

Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

• The first four years focused on land reform, rice and corn production and financial aid for farmers
• The Philippines joined ASEAN to curb communism
• Marcos made diplomatic ties with communist countries like China and Russia, which was questionable
• Industrialization, infrastructure projects, and settlement of armed conflicts in Luzon and Mindanao were promoted
• He was re-elected from 1969-1973 due to popular support

Martial Law

• Martial law is a provisional imposition of direct military control by a government in response to an emergency
• It occurs when the government loses control and civil rights get suspended

Pre-Martial Law Philippines

• Poverty was prevalent
• Crime rates and rallies increased
• Communist parties were active
• Peace and order were threatened
• Muslims advocated for a separate state

Martial Law Timeline

• 1970 saw widespread protests
• The Plaza Miranda Bombing and Suspension of Writ of Habeas Corpus occurred in 1971
• The Ambush of Juan Ponce Enrile occurred in 1972

Reasons for Martial Law Declaration

• To establish a "New Society"
• To restore peace and order
• To eliminate threats of communism
• To extend term

Government Under Martial Law

• It was backed by the military
• Media censorship was imposed
• A curfew was set from 12mn to 4am
• All powers of the three branches were vested in the president

Military Rule Characteristics

• Radio and TV shows and newspapers were banned
• Mass arrests were common
• Curfews were implemented
• Flights were cancelled
• The writ of habeas corpus was suspended

Human Rights Violations (1972-1981)

• 70,000 individuals were imprisoned
• 34,000 individuals were tortured
• 3,240 individuals were killed

1973 Constitution

• A new constitution was implemented
• Martial law was indefinitely extended by decree
• BAGONG LIPUNAN was established

The New Society Objectives

• Project a positive image of the country to enable socio-economic reforms
• Corrupt and abusive officials were dismissed
• Drug pushers were punished
• Curfews were put in place
• Nationalism was developed through "isang bansa, isang diwa" (one nation, one spirit)
• Discipline was taught

Structures Built

• Manila Film Center
• Philippine Medical Children’s Hospital.
• Philippine Heart Center
• Lung Center of the Philippines

Assassination

• One of Marcos’s most vocal critics got assassinated
• Got assassinated on August 21, 1983, at Manila International Airport, now known as NAIA.

Snap Election (February 7, 1986)

• Ninoy Aquino's assassination led to massive protests, prompting the Snap Election.

Election Issues

• Threats
• Vote buying
• Ballot snatching
• Intimidation
• Manipulation of tabulation

Vote Counting

• Teachers counted votes under military pressure and were forced to count the votes as Marcos' even if it said Corazon Aquino

Libingan ng Mga Bayani

• Established in 1947 as the Republic Memorial Cemetery
• It is for fallen Filipino soldiers of World War II

Elpidio Quirino Law

• "To commemorate the presidents, national heroes, patriots, “for the inspiration and emulation of this generation and of this generation still unborn"

Renaming

• Pres. Magsaysay renamed it in 1954 to Libingan ng mga Bayani

Burial Guidelines

• Medal of Valor awardees
• President or commander in chief
• Secretaries of national defense
• AFP chiefs of staff
• Generals/flag officers of the AFP
• Retired military personnel of the AFP
• Former AFP members in the coast guard and national police
• Veterans of the 1890 revolution, World War I, World War II and recognized guerrillas

Marcos Burial Case

• Duterte ordered the burial at the cemetery, exercising his authority
• On November 8, 2016, the Supreme Court (SC) voted 9-5 to allow Ferdinand Marcos' burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB).