Martial law: A friend or foe

by Jan Kerlyn G. Cabug

Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos, Sr., is known as Ferdinand Marcos. In 1965, he

won the presidential election and became the 6th president of the post-war Republic of the
Philippines. He was the longest-reigning Philippine president in history for 20 years. His most
outstanding achievements were in infrastructure development, safeguarding the country
against communism, and international diplomacy. Furthermore, he signed Proclamation no.
1081 on September 21, 1972, placing the Philippines under Martial law.
Batas Militar, also known as "Martial Law" in its English translation. According to the
Philippine Republic's 1973 Constitution, the Prime Minister or President, as
commander-in-chief, may declare martial law under the same conditions, "in case of invasion,
insurrection, or rebellion, or imminent danger thereof, the public safety declares it." President
Marcos has offered the threat of Communist subversion and insurrection and the need for
national discipline and reform as explanations and justifications for his dramatic proclamation
of September 21, 1972.
Furthermore, President Marcos claimed that declaring martial law was the last line of
defense against the rising disorder brought about by increasingly violent student
demonstrations, alleged communist insurgency threats from the new Communist Party of the
Philippines (CPP), and the Muslim separatist movement of the Moro National Liberation
Front (MNLF). It has been implemented to suppress increasing civil strife and the threat of a
communist takeover.
Martial law in the Philippines from 1971 to 1985 had some advantages: infrastructures
bloomed, cleaner streets, better traffic flow, improved public behavior, and Filipinos followed
the rules. It also eliminates all criminals who endanger the safety and impunity of society.
One of the main reasons why Martial Law is used from time to time to reduce crime and
protect society's welfare is to restore peace. Since communism is very rampant during that
time, declaring it is necessary for the protection and prosperity of the country as a whole.
Also, it promotes equality and equity wherein everyone has equal rights, whatever their social
status may be, to protect the dignity and the image of all individuals, groups, and
organizations. In terms of equity, it seeks to promote privilege and justify any rights of every
member of society to provide them with the opportunity to become productive members of
the community. The law will apprehend any suspicious activities or attempts to take
advantage of others.
On the other hand, Martial law has disadvantages too. During the proclamation, the writ
of Habeas Corpus was suspended wherein the accused person has no right to defend himself
whether he is guilty or not. The military's power has been abused, causing several Filipinos
were suffering where 3,257 were killed, an estimated 35,000 tortured, and some 70,000 were
arrested, according to Historian Alfred McCoy. Also, President Marcos's political power has
exceeded limitations as the head of the state; he was already using it for his good.
In my opinion, I stand to agree that the Philippines has put into martial law during
Marcos Regime. Though many has suffered during that time, I believe that no person will be
hurt if it does not go against the government's rules. In addition, if martial law had not been
declared during that time, perhaps there may have been no discipline of both the rich and the
poor. During martial law, the rich, particularly the oligarchs who exploited, oppressed, and
committed all forms of social injustice against the people, were disciplined through massive
social changes and development, including agrarian reform, labor decrees such as the Labor
Code, and the government's use of the eminent domain and police power to break landed
estate monopolies. Marcos enacted numerous social reforms, particularly in the form of labor
laws and social legislation. At the time, the poor people were disciplined as well, and curfews
were imposed. The children did not roam around at night like they do today. The core of the
curriculum was effective.
Furthermore, Martial law enabled the regime to combat violent urban crime, collect
unregistered firearms, and suppress the communist insurgency. Suppose this law is the
solution to all problems in the country we are all facing today. In that case, I'd love martial
law to be implemented again because people nowadays are also abusing power and the
purpose of democracy.

Sources:
1. Https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/constitutions/the-1987-constitution-of-the-republic-of-
the-philippines/the-1987-constitution-of-the-republic-of-the-philippines-article-vii/

2. Https://kami.com.ph/82661-looking-the-pros-cons-marcos-regime.html

3. Https://www.britannica.com/place/Philippines/Martial-law

4. Https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-martial-law-1

5. Https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Ferdinand_Marcos#Martial_law_and_the_Ne

w_Society