OLSS01 READING IN THE PHILIPPINE HISTORY

ACTIVITY 7

Answer the question briefly.

1. What do you think about the 1972 Martial Law that transpired in the Philippines?

Ferdinand Marcos' long-running conspiracy to maintain and consolidate power in order to enrich
himself, his family, and his friends at the expense of the Philippines' finances culminated in the
imposition of martial law. Through Martial Law, he institutionalized corruption, and the
consequences are still being felt today.
He did this in part because he was a brilliant man who believed he could better govern the
country than anyone else. But, more importantly, he was a man who was intensely ambitious and
greedy. Unfortunately for him and his country, these two motivations were at odds. He was
unable to grow the Philippines to its full potential because he and his associates stole much too
much money from it, damaging the very economy he was attempting to build.
For me, martial law is more than just a single story. Some would tell you a lot of wonderful
things about it, while others would tell you a lot about the tragic events produced by the so-called
"dictatorial regime." It's difficult to talk about something you haven't seen personally enough to
express an unbias perspective about.