Chapter 6

Philippines under Martial Rule (1972-1981) - By virtue of Presidential Proclamation 1081

signed by Marcos himself on September 21, 1972, the entire country was placed under
martial law.

Marcos' justifications were the following:

1. The existence of the communist threats to the republic;
2. Presence of military rightists;
3. Muslim secessionism in the South;
4. Widespread lawlessness;
5. Foreign intervention in Philippine politics and economy.

But the real reason was: Marcos simply wanted to perpetuate himself in power for self-
aggrandizement. Marcos overall program or vision: "New Society” or “Bagong Lipunan“ -
which in fact, was a trade-off between political authoritarianism for development and
equity.

Martial Law and Marcos’ the New Society (1972-1986)

1. The entire archipelago was placed under martial law by virtue of Proclamation No. 1081
signed by President Marcos on September 21 1972 but the proclamation was made public
only on September 23, 1972.
2. The regime adopted the 1973 Constitution drafted by the 1971 Constitutional
Convention was overtaken by martial law.

Legacies of Marcos’ Martial rule

1. Economic inequalities esp. the widening gap between the rich and poor Filipinos;
2. Persisting agrarian problem, despite PD 27 and Masagana 99 programs;
3. Maladministration and corruption in high places
4. Crony capitalism;
5. Foreign debt - it stood at around $26 billion by the time Marcos was deposed;
6. Abusive and corrupted military establishment.

The EDSA Revolution and the Fall of Marcos

The successful EDSA “People Power” Revolution (February 25, 1986) put an end to the two
decades of Marcos rule (1965-1986). It likewise led to the collapse of the ‘crony-based’
economy that Marcos instituted for twenty years.

Causes:
1. Assassination of Ninoy Aquino in 21 August 1983; Aquino was Marcos’ staunch
critic and opposition leader;
2. Worsening political and economic problems;
 3. Military uprising/mutiny led by Ramos, Enrile and the Reform the Armed Forces
Movement (RAM)
4. Church-led and Civil society protests which culminated to EDSA 1 on 22-25
February 1986.

The Provisional Government of 1986

1. The Provisional Government of 1986 was established after the fall of Marcos with
Corazon Aquino as President and Salvador Laurel as Vice-President.
2. The new government adopted the 1987 Constitution (ratified by the majority of the
electorate on February 2, 1987), which was prepared by the 48-member
Constitutional Commission headed by Justice Cecilia Munoz-Palma.

Challenges to the Aquino Government

 Alleviation of poverty
 Generation of more productive employment
 Promotion of equity and social justice
 The attainment of sustainable economic growth
 Accountability and transparency in governance

The Philippine Government under the 1987 Constitution: An Overview

1. The Constitution of 1987 established a presidential system.

2. The bicameral Congress is composed of the House of Senate (upper house) and the
House of Representatives (lower house).
3. At the apex of the judicial system is the Supreme Court which, is composed of 15
justices appointed by the President without need of confirmation of the Congress.

The Philippine Constitutions

1. Malolos Constitution (Jan. 20, 1899) contained 101 articles, adopted by the Malolos
Congress which was convened in Barasoain Church, Malolos Bulacan. This was
adopted after the declaration of Philippine independence in June 12, 1898 but was
never effectively implemented throughout the archipelago.
2. 1935 Constitution (1935-1973) contained 18 articles; has an article for
impeachment and General Auditing Office. It was amended in 1939, giving Filipino
women the right to vote. An amendment during the Roxas Administration (1946 –
1948) gave American citizens “parity rights” over the exploration and exploitation
of our natural resources.
3. 1973 Constitutions (1973 - 1986) adopted January 17, 1973 through the ‘citizen
assemblies” called by Marcos for that purpose. It contained 17 articles; no article on
Social Justice and Human Rights but included an article on the Duties and
Obligations of Citizens (Art. V); most frequently amended constitution. Its original
 version was prepared by the 1971 Constitutional Convention but was revised by
Marcos to fit his desire for power.
4. 1987 Constitution (February 2, 1987) was drafted by the 1986 Constitutional
Commission, a 48-member body appointed by then President Corazon Aquino. The
1987 Constitution is composed of 18 articles and 305 sections.

Analyzing Filipino Colonial Legacies

The Philippines was colonized by Spain for 333 years since 1565 until 1898. Though the
Filipino revolutionaries succeeded in establishing the “first independent republic” in Asia
under the leadership of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, such republic was only short-lived. The
Treaty of Paris (1898) which ended the Spanish-American War brought the Americans to
the Philippines as new colonial masters in 1899 igniting the Philippine-American War.
With the capitulation of Aguinaldo in 1901, American annexation of the Philippines was
completed. American rule lasted for almost half a century.

1. A highly centralized government centered on Metropolitan Manila.

2. Economic Dependence.
3. Cultural Confusion or the Lack of identity as a people.