Overview
This lesson discussed the rise, leadership, and fall of the Marcos regime, the declaration of Martial Law, its effects on society, the economy, and the opposition, and the role of People Power in restoring democracy.
Rise of Ferdinand Marcos and Martial Law
- Marcos was elected president in 1965 and won again for a second term.
- Under the 1935 Constitution, the president was limited to two terms.
- He planned to stay in power by shifting to a parliamentary system or declaring Martial Law.
- Martial Law was declared on September 21, 1972 (Proclamation 1081), officially implemented on September 23.
- Reasons for Martial Law: threat of communism, unrest, and crime, but it was also used to strengthen power.
Crisis, Corruption, and Violence
- Protests against the government worsened due to economic crisis, corruption, and the gap between rich and poor.
- The Plaza Miranda bombing (1971) led to the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus.
- The military was strengthened, power centralized; arrests, torture, and killings increased.
- The media was tightly controlled and press freedom suppressed.
Effects of Martial Law on the Economy and Society
- Crony capitalism: those close to Marcos and Imelda benefited in business.
- Genuine land reform was limited; most farmers were not given land.
- The Philippines' foreign debt ballooned and the economy collapsed.
Resistance and Opposition
- Many groups fought back (CPP-NPA, RAM, Light a Fire Movement, NDF, MNLF, Laban).
- Opposition leaders, including Ninoy Aquino and Jose Diokno, were imprisoned and tortured.
- Ninoy's death (1983) signaled the outbreak of People Power.
Fall of the Dictatorship and EDSA People Power
- Snap election in 1986, Cory Aquino ran against Marcos amid violence and fraud.
- The military and citizens united at EDSA, People Power won and democracy was restored.
- Marcos and his family were ousted; he died in Hawaii in 1989.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Martial Law (Batas Militar) — Temporary military rule, suspended citizens' ordinary rights.
- Crony Capitalism — Business system favoring those close to those in power.
- Writ of Habeas Corpus — People's right against illegal arrest.
- EDSA People Power — Peaceful uprising in 1986 that ousted the dictatorship.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Read the 1935 and 1973 Constitutions to understand changes in the government system.
- Prepare for discussion on the effects of Martial Law on current society.
- Examine the impact of crony capitalism and land reform on the lives of Filipinos.