REACTION PAPER

By: Cheska Indie (St. Nicholas, HUMSS)

Welcome to the Philippines! where civilization tramples on everything. In a culture where

influencing others' perceptions is acceptable, people want to be a part of something, even if they don't
fully comprehend it. Everyone, including those who know nothing but still butt in, is talking about
martial law these days since it is such a hot topic. Hello! This essay explores how people react to notions
about martial law, even when they are uneducated, and how they differ with others' impressions of it.
Filipinos commonly belittle other people's perspectives based on their own different experiences, which
infuriates other people even more.

Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos Senior, a politician from the Philippines, went on to lead
the nation for twenty-one years as president. Marcos made the same academic and career decisions as
his father, a lawyer and politician in his own way. When he was a little boy, Marcos had a run-in with
the law when he was accused of killing one of his father's political enemies. On the other side, Marcos
was successful in defending himself and was not found guilty. He utilized his service in the army during
World War II as a political gimmick during his first presidential campaign. There have been many
presidents in our nation from the beginning of history until the present. While in power, some
governments improved the nation's progress, whereas others did not, and some lacked until it was time
to leave office. Previous president Ferdinand E. Marcos is one scenario. Before becoming president,
Ferdinand E. Marcos served as a senator. He then wed Imelda Marcos, who was at the time a powerful
woman. They both had significant influence in their respective industries, which contributed to Marcos'
victory in the 1972 presidential election. The policies and procedures of his administration are set in
stone and will not be forgotten.

The martial law's implementation has issues, much to how the Philippines' economy was fairly
small. Many workers are unemployed at the time. They struggled, which caused the poverty situation in
the Philippines unbearable. Since their minimum wage was low at the time, many workers suffered
under the martial law system. It isn't that I consider Ferdinand Marcos as a bad leader, but he recently
declared martial law to maintain order and discipline in our country. But the problem they are having is
the bloodbath. Every one of the victims were hurt when it happened in 1982. I believe that the press
played a part in the detention of every activist. Although Ferdinand Marcos' administration was the
most divisive in Philippine history, I initially thought I could recite the declaration while the country was
under martial law. I was confused with what I read because it started off violent. I understand now why
former President Ferdinand Marcos imposed martial law while I read. Based on what I've read, there
are more recollections and most of the characters talk about their experiences in the 1970s. From what
I've read and understood, it became challenging to be an activist once martial law was put into place
since the government regarded activists as their enemies and pursued and killed them in ways that
tortured them, despite the fact that we all know this is common.

Everyone has seen a circumstance where they had to give up a friend or member of their family
for the convenience of the group or to ensure their safety. Despite our struggles, we do in some ways
manage to forgive them. Our memory is still clear despite of what occurred in the past. Also remaining
fresh in our memories is the Proclamation 1081 declaration, which suspended civil rights and gave the
military rule over the country. As I learn more information about it, it seems to me that individuals who
have lived previously under martial control are experiencing bodily and psychological effects as a result
of it. In order to temporarily replace civilian governance with military control during times of conflict,
insurrection, or natural disaster, martial law is typically enacted. When martial law is in force, the
military ruler of a territory or country has full power to establish and enforce laws. Some people
currently think that the dictatorship of President Marcos helped the economy of the nation. Knowing
this makes me think of the administration led by the late President Ferdinand Marcos, which is referred
to as the "golden period."