The Philippines During The Martial Law Era

Martial law is described as the imposition of the highest-ranking military officer as the military governor, and is usually imposed temporarily when the government or civilian authorities cease to function effectively. Typically, martial law is the implication of curfews, the suspension of civil law and civil rights, as well as the application or extension of military law or military justice to civilians.

On September 21, 1972, President Ferdinand E. Marcos placed the Philippines under Martial Law. He defended the declaration by stating the need for extra strength to quell the rising wave of violence allegedly caused by communists. The emergency rule was also intended to eradicate the roots of rebellion and promote a rapid trend for national development. President Marcos assured the country of the legality of Martial Law emphasizing the need for control over civil disobedience that displays lawlessness. President Marcos explained that martial law was not a military takeover but was then the only option to resolve the country’s dilemma on rebellion that stages national chaos threatening the peace and order of the country.

The decline of the political and economic condition in the Philippines prompted the decline of support on Marcos’ plans. More and more Filipinos took arms to dislodge the regime. Upon the murder of former Senator Benigno Aquino, social unrest has reached its climax. The incident caused thousands of Filipinos rallying on the streets, calling for President Marcos’ removal from post. President Marcos held a snap election in 1986, which in return seated Corazon Aquino, widow of Benigno Aquino, as President of the Philippines. This ended the 21 years of tyrant rule of President Marcos.