During the period from 1972 to 1985 in Philippine literature, which coincided with the

Martial Law era under President Ferdinand Marcos, several distinctive genres emerged,
characterized by their responses to the authoritarian regime and censorship. Here are the key
genres during this specific period:
1. Resistance Literature: Conveyed with dissent and addressed issues of oppression, human
rights abuses, and the quest for freedom.
2. Political and Social Satire: Faced with censorship, writers turned to satire as a means of
critique. Employed humor and irony to comment on political issues and societal norms,
providing a platform for expression that could evade strict censorship measures.
3. Historical Fiction and Allegory: utilized historical fiction and allegory to convey
messages indirectly. This approach allowed to discuss sensitive topics without directly
confronting the authorities.
4. Underground and Samizdat Literature: Due to censorship, certain writers resorted to
underground and samizdat publications to disseminate their works. These clandestine
materials, distributed covertly, often contained critical perspectives on the government and its
policies.
5. Protest Poetry: Poets continued to use their craft as a tool for dissent. They composed
poems that challenged the oppressive regime, advocating for justice, democracy, and human
rights.

During the Martial Law era in the Philippines from 1972 to 1985, several authors gained
prominence for their contributions to literature and their resilience in the face of censorship.
Some of the most famous authors from this period include:
1. Lualhati Bautista: A notable figure in resistance literature, Bautista's works explored
themes of dissent and the impact of authoritarian rule on Filipino society.
2. Jose F. Lacaba: Lacaba used literature as a form of resistance, creating works that
subtly conveyed dissent and addressed social and political issues during the Martial
Law era.
3. Pete Lacaba: As a writer of political and social satire, Lacaba used humor and irony
to critique political issues and societal norms, providing a platform for expression that
could evade censorship.
4. Edilberto Tiempo: Like Bulosan, Tiempo utilized historical fiction and allegory to
convey messages indirectly, addressing sensitive issues during the Martial Law era.
5. Emmanuel Lacaba: A poet known for protest poetry, Lacaba's work challenged the
oppressive regime and advocated for justice, democracy, and human rights.
These authors played significant roles in shaping the literary landscape during the Martial
Law era, using their voices to resist oppression and express the struggles of the Filipino
people.

Several authors produced notable works that resonated with the challenges and themes of the
time. Here are some of the most famous works by the authors mentioned earlier:
Lualhati Bautista:
- "Dekada '70" (1983): A novel that follows the story of a middle-class Filipino family and
their experiences during the Martial Law era, highlighting the effects of authoritarian rule on
their lives.
Jose F. Lacaba:
- "Days of Disquiet, Nights of Rage" (1982): A collection of poems that reflects the
author's experiences and observations during the Martial Law era, expressing dissent and
resistance.
Pete Lacaba:
- "Days of Disquiet, Nights of Rage" (1982): Lacaba's collection of poems, similar to his
brother Jose F. Lacaba, offers a poetic critique of the political situation during the Martial
Law era.
Emmanuel Lacaba:
- "Salvaged Poems" (1989): A collection of poems that were salvaged and published
posthumously, reflecting Lacaba's resistance against the oppressive regime and his call for
justice and freedom.
Edilberto Tiempo:
- "A Blade of Fern" (1978): A collection of short stories employing allegory and
symbolism to explore Filipino society and political repression.
But it is said that the most famous one out of these works is "Dekada '70" by Lualhati
Bautista.

During the Martial Law era in the Philippines from 1972 to 1985, literature reflected the
tumultuous socio-political landscape, addressing various themes that were prevalent during
that period. Some of the key literary themes during this time include:
1. Oppression and Dictatorship: Literature often depicted the oppressive nature of the
Marcos regime, highlighting the suppression of freedoms, human rights abuses, and the
authoritarian rule that characterized the era.
2. Resistance and Dissent: A prominent theme in literature was resistance against the
oppressive regime. Writers utilized various genres, such as protest poetry, resistance
literature, and political satire, to voice dissent and challenge the status quo.
3. Identity and Nationalism: Amidst political turmoil, literature explored themes of Filipino
identity and nationalism. Authors delved into the complexities of Filipino culture, history, and
heritage, emphasizing the importance of unity and national pride in the face of adversity.
4. Social Injustice and Struggle: Literature often portrayed the social injustices prevalent in
Filipino society during the Martial Law era, including poverty, inequality, and discrimination.
Authors shed light on the struggles of marginalized communities and advocated for social
change.
5. Censorship and Freedom of Expression: Given the censorship imposed by the
government, literature grappled with the limitations on freedom of expression. Writers used
creative means to circumvent censorship, employing allegory, metaphor, and symbolism to
convey their messages.
6. Memory and Trauma: Literature also explored the collective memory and trauma
associated with the Martial Law era. Authors reflected on the impact of political repression
on individuals and communities, addressing themes of trauma, loss, and resilience.
7. Hope and Resilience: Despite the challenges, literature often conveyed messages of hope
and resilience. Writers celebrated acts of resistance, solidarity, and courage, inspiring readers
to persevere in the face of adversity.
These themes intersected and overlapped in the literature of the Martial Law era, offering
profound insights into the complexities of Philippine society and politics during that turbulent
period.