Martial Law Anniversary (1972)

[Ayoshi]

From: philippine-history.org

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. The emergency rule was also intended to eradicate the roots of rebellion and promote a rapid trend for national development. The autocrat assured the country of the legality of Martial Law emphasizing the need for control over civil disobedience that displays lawlessness. 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 country’s dilemma on rebellion that stages national chaos threatening the peace and order of the country. The emergency rule, according to Marcos’s plan, was to lead the country into what he calls a “New Society”.

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The move was initially supported by most Filipinos and was viewed by some critics as a change that solved the massive corruption in the country. Martial law ceased the clash between the executive and legislative branches of the government and a bureaucracy characterized by special interest. Marcos started to implement reforms on social and political values that hindered effective modernization. To match the accomplishments of its Asian neighbors, Marcos imposed the need for self-sacrifice for the attainment of national welfare. His reforms targeted his rivals within the elite depriving them of their power and patronage but did not affect their supporters (US Library of Congress, Martial Law and the Aftermath).

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The deterioration of the political and economic condition in the Philippines triggered the decline of support on Marcos’ plans. More and more Filipinos took arms to dislodge the regime. Urban poor communities in the country’s capital were organized by the Philippine Ecumenical Council for Community and were soon conducting protest masses and prayer rallies. These efforts including the exposure of numerous human rights violations pushed Marcos to hold an election in 1978 and 1981 in an aim to stabilize the country’s chaotic condition. Marcos, in both events, won the election; however, his extended term as President of the Republic of the Philippines elicited an extensive opposition against his regime. Social unrest reached its height after former Senator Benigno Aquino was murdered. The incident sent thousands of Filipinos to the streets calling for Marcos’ removal from post. Turning again to his electoral strategy, Marcos held a snap election in 1986 but what he hoped will satisfy the masses only increased their determination to end his rule that seated Corazon Aquino, widow of Benigno Aquino, as President of the Philippines ousting Marcos from Malacañang Palace and ending the twenty-one years of tyrant rule.

See also: The legacy of Martial Law

[Ayoshi]

Image taken from altermidya.net

[Ayoshi]

Groups set to hold protest actions on Martial Law anniversary | Philstar - September 20, 2018 - 7:14pm

MANILA, Philippines — Several groups and universities would hold protests on Friday to mark the 46th anniversary of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos’ declaration of Martial Law.

Friday marks the Martial Law anniversary which was enacted through Proclamation 1081 on September 21, 1972 and declared two days later on September 23.

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Groups urge Filipinos to defend democracy ahead of martial law anniversary | Manila Bulletin - Updated September 20, 2018, 11:12 PM

Hundreds of protesters gathered Thursday at Plaza Miranda in front of Quiapo Church in Manila a day before the 46th anniversary of the declaration of the Marcos-era martial law.

Various groups gather at Plaza Miranda a day before the 46th anniversary of former Pres. Ferdinand Marcos’ declaration of Martial Law. (photo by Ria Fernandez/ Manila Bulletin)

[Ayoshi]

Enrile: A Witness To History (Episode 1) | Bongbong Marcos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHbtQ6tobHk

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From: Philstar - September 21, 2018 - 12:30pm

Fact-checking Enrile's tete-a-tete with Bongbong Marcos

Manila, Philippines — A night before 46th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law in the Philippines, the only son of ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos released a video of a one-on-one dialogues with former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, his late father's Defense minister.

In an attempt to clear his father's name, former Sen. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. asked Enrile, implementor of martial law, questions about the events that led to Proclamation 1081.

Enrile, who staged his own assassination attempt to justify the declaration of martial law, made contentious claims during his talk with the strongman's son.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/09/21/1853435/fact-checking-enriles-tete-tete-bongbong-marcos

[Ayoshi]

From: Philstar - September 21, 2018 - 7:05pm

Martial Law 46th anniversary met with protest rallies

MANILA, Philippines — Protesters flocked to Luneta Park on Friday afternoon as mass demonstrations were held to commemorate the declaration of martial law.

Ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. appeared on television on September 23, 1972 to announce that the entire Philippines is placed under martial law, following Proclamation 1081. The document however was signed on September 21.

At past 4:00 p.m. protesters coming from different points converged at the Luneta Park for the United People’s Action against Dictatorship.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/09/21/1853459/martial-law-46th-anniversary-met-protest-rallies

[Ayoshi]

A month after disclaimer, Enrile apologizes to Martial Law victims | GMA news - Published October 26, 2018 9:04am

Former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile has changed his tune regarding the human rights violations committed during the Martial Law period under late President Ferdinand Marcos and has apologized to its victims.

Enrile, in an interview on One News PH, noted that he was not aware of the more than 11,000 victims of human rights violations who had claimed reparations from the Human Rights Victims' Claims Board (HRVCB).

Enrile then apologized to these victims.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/672492/a-month-after-disclaimer-enrile-apologizes-to-martial-law-victims/story/

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Enrile's "latest" take on martial law
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQfHt-U3Hg8

Enrile to martial law victims: I'm sorry
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TIugfQAaBI

[Ayoshi]

https://www.rappler.com/move-ph/240388-youth-groups-lead-protest-commemorate-martial-law-anniversary

Youth groups lead protest marking 47th anniversary of Martial Law
Published 2:18 PM, September 18, 2019
Updated 2:18 PM, September 18, 2019


VOICE OF THE YOUTH. Leaders of youth groups call on Filipinos to join them in commemorating the 47th martial law anniversary with a protest to fight against a strongman rule on September 20. Photo by Jaia Yap/Rappler