1. Focus on the importance of the student movement during the Marial Law period.

What legacy
did the student activists of that time leave for the next generations? What important lessons
could your generation gain from their experiences of those who fought for the freedom against
the dictatorship?

• Sudents played the key role during the people power movement that lead to the downfall of the
Marcos dictatorship. They were much interested in bringing down the marcoses and engaging in
protests and activities. A significant increase in student activism occurred towards the end of
1969 and the beginning of 1970, as a result of the 1969 Philippine balance of payments crisis,
which arose from the administration's debt-driven spending during Ferdinand Marcos' campaign
for his second presidential term University students during this period found themselves
attracted to political movements from across the political spectrum, ranging from "moderates"
who wanted to create a new political party to "extremists" who wanted change in the
government.

Despite the danger, these students stood up to their morals and beliefs and fought for the
freedom of all, a beginning of a new democratic era was because of them and it is the legacy that
they left.

We have learned that it is really important to have morals and values that we can stand up to.
Being able to be firm with our belief and opinions is something that each and every one of us
should have especially now that false media and information are everywhere. We should know
what to belief and what not to believe.

2. Conduct an interview with one or two Martial Law veteran/s document their personal
experiences during the period of dictatorship.

• According to the veteran we questioned, the highlight that she remembers is putting corns in
rice only to eat properly due to a supply scarcity. Media outlets are being closed down, and the
only ones that remain are those that do not oppose Ferdinand Marcos. The journalists hide
because there are instances where people simply disappear from the media when they express a
point of view critical of an administration. As a consequence of the lack of employment
opportunities and restrictions, many people have become impoverished. Fortunately her father
was a barangay captain that time that is why they did not experience the hardship that other
citizens experienced.

But her father is always saying that “Ginagawa ko lang to para sainyo perowag na wag niyo
tutularan yan si Marcos”. It is buried inside her head, thus till now, she is aware of the truth about
martial law, and she is opposed to it. Despite the fact that she did not experience the hardships,
she opted to stand with the victims rather than allowing, promoting, and turning a blind eye to
Ferdinand Marcos' atrocities.
The Essential features of 1935 Phil Constitution and 1973 Constitution

1935 Philippine Constitution:

This constitution established a presidential form of government wherein executive power is
vested in a President.
It provided for a bicameral legislature composed of a Senate and a House of Representatives.
It established an independent judiciary with the Supreme Court as the highest judicial body.
This Constitution included a Bill of Rights that guaranteed individual liberties and
enumerated the basic rights of citizens.
The President was limited to a single four-year term, without the possibility of immediate re-
election.

1973 Constitution (Marcos Constitution):

There was a shift to a Parliamentary Form of Government (One of the most significant
changes) in the 1973 Constitution was the shift from a presidential to a parliamentary system
of government. Marcos intended to concentrate power in his office as Prime Minister.
This Constitution allowed the President, as Prime Minister, to declare martial law and suspend
some civil liberties that ought to the declaration of Martial Law
President, as Prime Minister, was granted more extensive executive powers and control over
the legislative process.
This Constitution expanded the Bill of Rights to include socioeconomic rights such as the right
to education and the right to employment.
This Contitution removed the term limit for the President, allowing Marcos to stay in power
beyond the initial four-year term.

Comparative Analysis:

1. The 1935 Constitution established a presidential form of government, while the 1973 Constitution
shifted to a parliamentary system. This change gave Marcos greater control and authority over the
government.
2. The 1973 Constitution granted the President, as Prime Minister, the power to declare martial law
and suspend civil liberties. This unprecedented authority allowed Marcos to consolidate power
and suppress opposition.
3. The 1973 Constitution increased the executive powers of the President, giving the office more
control over the legislative process. This further strengthened Marcos' dominance over the
government.
4. The 1973 Constitution expanded the Bill of Rights to include socioeconomic rights, reflecting a
more comprehensive approach to human rights. However, this change was seen by critics as a
means to appease the public while maintaining authoritarian control.
5. While the 1935 Constitution limited the President to a single four-year term, the 1973 Constitution
removed this restriction, allowing Marcos to stay in power indefinitely. This change raised
concerns about the potential for prolonged authoritarian rule.

Overall, the significant changes in the 1973 Constitution under President Marcos aimed to
concentrate power in the executive branch, suspend civil liberties, and ensure his continued stay in
office. These changes fundamentally transformed the Philippine government system, moving it closer
to an authoritarian regime and facilitating Marcos' authoritarian rule.

By: Francheska Noreen Ababa & Alyzah Dennesse Guevarra