THE MARCOS

DICTATORSHIP
READINGS IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY | LESSON 9
PREPARED BY: TJ RIVERA
THE MARCOS
DICTATORSHIP
o President Marcos became a
dictator for 14 years (1972 - 1986).
o A dictator is a ruler who has total
power.
o President Marcos secretly signed
the martial law order on September
21, 1972 but he announced it only
after two days later.
THE MARCOS
DICTATORSHIP
o President Marcos dramatically
announced:

“My countrymen, as of the 21st of

September, I signed Proclamation
No. 1081 placing the entire
Philippines under Martial Law.”
CHANGES DURING
MARTIAL LAW
THE MARCOS DICTATORSHIP
#1: THE 1973
CONSTITUTION
oThe delegates to the constitutional
convention (Con-con) finished their work
and signed the new constitution on
November 30, 1972.
o President Marcos sent it to the people for
approval in a referendum at barangay
assemblies. The approval of the new
#1: THE 1973
CONSTITUTION
oAt high noon of January 17, 1973, President
signed the new constitution and said it was
now effective.
o It was a very strange constitution because
President Marcos could ignore it. In short,
Marcos ruled as a dictator who was above the
law.
#2: DEATH OF
DEMOCRACY
o Arrest and Detention of Marcos’ opponents
and protester against the government.
o Closing down of all newspapers, radio and
television stations, and printing presses.
o Government control of all public utilities
and important industries.
#2: DEATH OF
DEMOCRACY
o Travel ban abroad.
o Ban on public meetings, student
demonstrations, and labor strikes.
o Ban on private weapons.
o Torture and murder of political prisoners.
#3: GOVERNMENT
REORGANIZATION
o Marcos replaced Congress with several lawmaking bodies.
o Marcos also changed the local government. The country
was divided into thirteen administrative regions.
o On June 12, 1978, President Marcos announced a new
national motto: “Isang Bansa, Isang Diwa” (One Nation,
one Spirit).
o Marcos appointed Cesar Virata, a technocrat, as the prime
minister of the government.
#4: CONTROL BY
MARCOS FAMILY &
CRONIES
o President Marcos gave his wife and some
members and friends important positions in
the government.
o Mrs. Imelda Romualdez Marcos had
several government positions, including
Governor of Metro Manila and Minister of
#5: STRONG MILITARY
POWER
o Marcos created special military courts to
try even civilians.
o His aide, Major-General Fabian C. Ver,
also headed the powerful National
Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA).
o The military got the biggest share in
government budget allocation.
MARCOS DICTATORSHIP
o On January 17, 1981, President Marcos ended
martial law. However, he retained his strong
power.
o When Pope John Paul II visited the
Philippines in February 1981, he urged the
Catholic officials and rich to look after the
needs of the poor people in the country.
MARCOS DICTATORSHIP
o On June 16, 1981, the first presidential
elections were held after martial law. And
President Marcos won 88% of the votes under
the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL).
o On June 30, 1981 the new Philippine Republic
was inaugurated in Rizal Park (Luneta).