I.

Introduction and Brief Synopsis of the Films

History has always been relevant collectively and individually as it makes up what and who we are at
present. The first video documentary, "Batas Militar," chronicled one of the darkest periods in
Philippine history, when the country was subjected to Marcos' authoritarian rule. It discussed the
events that occurred before, during, and after the infamous dictator, Ferdinand Marcos imposed
Martial Law or Batas Militar in the Philippines from the early 1970s to the late 1980s. The
documentary showed extensive film footage and photographs of actual events from 1972 when
Marcos declared martial law to the 1986 EDSA uprising, which brings to life the sufferings of the
Filipino people, and the unparalleled greed that no one could have imagined could come from one
man. It also introduced Marcos’ prominent critic, Benigno Aquino Jr., and arch-enemy, Ninoy Aquino.
Ferdinand Marcos ruled as a dictator and took the necessary steps to justify his proclamation of
martial law. He called his rule constitutional authoritarianism which in fact it clearly manifests
dictatorship. There was a lot of corruption, extravagance, brutality, and violation of human rights
under his rule.
The second film, "Imelda & Ferdinand: Exile in Hawaii Documentary", explores how one the
largest political scandals in modern history landed in the Aloha State, and why decades later, the
controversy surrounding the Marcos family is far from resolved. The film was divided into five
chapters: Chapter 1- The Good Life, which showcased that all the while millions of his people lived in
filth and disease, Marcos and his family lived in glittering splendor; Chapter 2- The Revolution, in
which Aquino's death ignited the People Power Revolution that led to Ferdinand's downfall; Chapter
3- The Exile, where Marcos fled to Hawaii with his family and friends landing on Oahu in February
1986; Chapter 4- The Missing Fortune; and Chapter 5- The End of an Era.

II. Analysis, Reflection, and Relevance of the Film to the Current Situation
In the given facts on the first film, it is undisputed that Ferdinand Marcos wants to remain in
power by trying to amend the constitution from presidential into an authoritarian or dictatorship. It
can be inferred that Marcos' political success was influenced when he gained medals during wartime
and was called the most decorated war hero in the Philippines but it was found to be false. Also, his
popularity soared when he married Imelda Romualdez. During his presidency, he pursued an
aggressive program of infrastructure development funded by foreign debt which gave a positive
impact on the development of the Philippines but it did not last long since the economy collapsed.
During martial law, people are instilled with fear since even an anti-Marcos joke could put you in jail.
The freedom of expression and freedom of the press was suppressed, even a mere suspicion that you
are connected to the communist can justify a warrantless arrest. Indeed, martial law was the darkest
era in the Philippines. Constitution was revised, media outlets were silenced, and violence and
oppression were used against political opposition, suspected communists, and ordinary citizens.
The AFP violated their sworn duty to protect the civilians and none of them admitted any
violation of human rights. There was no justice during the time of Ferdinand Marcos. Every inherent
right of the people was trampled. Women were raped. Peaceful protest results in violence. Yet, what
Ferdinand Marcos utter to his speech were peace and order. It is a clear manifestation of unethical,
whimsical, and capricious motives. Many of his friends rose to power and became business owners.
Yet, many people are suffering while they are partying. A lot of ill-gotten wealth was not yet
recovered up to now. Parenthetically, there are a lot of human rights violations and graft and corrupt
practices in Duterte’s Administration which is similar to Marcos regime.
Indubitably, history might repeat itself given the upcoming 2022 election since the son of the former
dictator is running for the president. People must choose the rightful leader who knows how to listen
since this is a democratic country. A leader that will take action in times of need and what is best for
the people. (first film only, not included ang the exile in hawii)

Information Validation Using Primary Sources (Interviews)

Find at least two individuals (a relative or friend -around 65-70 y.o.) and ask them about their opinion
on Marcos and Martial Law, and the events depicted in the documentaries. You can ask them
whether these events narrated were indeed true or were just fabricated. Just ask them to provide
some explanation. Record their responses, summarize and integrate their answers in your analysis.
P.S. Please document (take a picture) of your interview.

Be able also to respond to this question in your analysis: “How beneficial was Marcos’ 21 Years Rule
to the Philippines political and economic development?”

III. Conclusion and some Recommendations

What lessons do you think should we Filipinos learn from the Marcos regime? Do you these lessons
are important for us in order to move forward and achieve national development?

The Filipino people should be wiser in choosing a leader. The people thought that Marcos was a
noble hero during his early reign but then again, he was obsessed with power and want to take it all
for himself which resulted in capricious, whimsical, and unethical actions. It can be inferred that the
lesson from the Marcos regime is that a leader should protect his people, listen to their critics and
peacefully address them, and should not resort to violence, or to the extent of declaring martial law.
Violence and oppression is not the solution since it will spark more hatred and violence. Thus, these
lessons are important to move forward and achieve national development. We should be more
capable of choosing the best leader during this time especially in the upcoming 2022 Election.