IN REMEMBERING THE dark past of the Philippines, we reminisce about the tragedies that shaped the history of our beloved nation. Among the worst, however, was when a broadcast announcement took place during the night of September 23, 1972, where the late President Ferdinand Marcos infamously declared Proclamation 1081, placing the whole country “under Martial Law. “
Such implementation led to multiple controversies and human rights violations, with the Philippines falling under an oppressive regime marred with tortures, disappearances, imprisonments, and deaths. In an era marked by government repression, media outlets were also closed to establish censorship on the issues in the country. Ironically, the period was referred to as the “Bagong Lipunan” or New Society.
Every year, September 21 is a day to commemorate the signing of the Proclamation along with the continued calls for justice for the victims and survivors. Revisiting the moments and featuring historical accounts, here are some key parts of what transpired from this period.
On Primitivo Mijares’ Account
Primitivo Mijares is known to have published the book entitled “The Conjugal Dictatorship” in 1976. Mijares was part of the Marcos administration, appointed as the media czar. The literature he produced is also used as his testimony on his exile in the United States. Unpacking the concepts from his book shows how then First Lady Imelda Marcos also enjoyed the power of an executive during their regime. Living a life of luxury, and power, and being a politician as the Governor of Manila.
Torture and Human Rights Violation
The tagline “sa ikauunlad ng bayan, disiplina ang kailangan,” attempts to justify the strict implementation of the laws as a way for peace and order. The suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus and warrantless arrests led to the rise of cases for human rights violations. Particularly torture, like the use of electric shock, pistol-whipping, animal treatment, truth serum, and the like.
The Political Prisoners
Being an opposition to the administration during that period means that one foot is already in the grave, especially since the government is on a crackdown to eliminate its political rivals.
Names like Nilo Tayag (Kabataang Makabayan Chair), Liliosa Hilao (President of the Student Body of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila), and Senator Jose Diokno are only a part of the many victims that were detained and tortured under the custody of the Philippine Constabulary.
However, the death of one key rival of the Marcoses led to the ignition of the First People Power Revolution—the late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino. Ninoy Aquino, a Bonafide member of the Liberal Party (LP), was assassinated in the Manila International Airport upon his return from exile. While the perpetrator is yet to be truly identified, such an event ignited the built-up anger from the masses—a culmination of pent-up frustration because of the widespread abuses and corruption at the time.
The 1986 EDSA People Power
After the death of Ninoy Aquino, it led to the onset of the revolution to overthrow the government. Through the radio broadcast of Cardinal Jaime Sin, he appealed for the people to unite and express their voices in power.
Because of this, the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) has now made a significant mark in the Philippine history—forever remembered as the historic place which witnessed one of the largest and peaceful social movements in the country. No casualties or major tension occurred, despite the presence of the army in a standoff with the protesters.
Meanwhile, Corazon Aquino, the wife of Ninoy, filed for candidacy as president to challenge the Marcos regime. On election day, electoral fraud is committed in the system, leading to the walkout of the members of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).
With overwhelming events piling up, in the end, the Marcoses fled away from the country. Being the new president of the Philippines, the administration of Aquino led to the revival of democracy.
Post-EDSA: Remembering the Martial Law
While decades have passed since the start and end of martial law, the memories continue to remain alive as people continually pay tribute to the victims of the haunting political persecution. With his son, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., taking the position of presidency last 2022, the Philippine society remains vigilant, by continuing to grasp onto the information being disseminated through the once-silenced avenue of journalism, both mainstream and its microcosm in universities today.
The Bedan, as the school newspaper of San Beda University (SBU), also played a key role in the fight for freedom. Particularly, the publication office served as a secret headquarters for student activists to conduct meetings.
As the present moment intensifies the call for Filipinos to continue the fight against injustices, the need to safeguard rights like free speech and liberty grows ever more crucial. Though these struggles may seem like echoes from the past, the wounds of our country remain ever so visible, reminding us that the fight is far from over.
To remember history is to remember the victims of Martial Law, and to honor these victims is to protect the democratic institution of our country. As the political scene in the country continues to deteriorate, with incompetency spreading like a plague among government officials, one must remember that we, as Filipino citizens, have the power of changing this “doomed fate,” through the right of suffrage.