Whether you know absolutely nothing about Martial Law, or only know about Martial Law through social media posts, or even if you've already learned about Martial Law in school, this resource CARRD is for you. Here you can learn about our history and help defend it from distortion.
Ways you can help 👇
☝️ Educate Yourself
Learn
: What happened during Martial Law?
Unlearn
: What didn't happen during Martial Law?
Remember
: Who are the victims of Martial Law?
✌️ Act!
Online
: Share this CARRD!
Online
: Subscribe to and Share fact-checked reports
Online
: Report False Information to Fact-Checkers
Online
: Become a Fact-Checker
Offline
: Teach Martial Law Correctly
Offline
: Volunteer for On-Ground Events about Martial Law
Offline
: Volunteer for Dedicated Truth-Tellers
Online
: Donate to Dedicated Truth-Tellers
Offline
: Join Youth Collectives
This CARRD was compiled and fact-checked by our team of student volunteers at the 1081 Exhibit, an academic and not-for-profit awareness campaign in Cebu dedicated to fighting historical distortion about Martial Law.


January 23, 1970
Days of Disquiet, Nights of Rage
Under Ferdinand Marcos’ first term, the Philippines was plagued with poverty. It was under his term in the early 1960s that the Philippines experienced a disappointing economic performance: increasing government debt, high inflation, and unemployment. Such economic depression encouraged civilians to air their strife—some of these protests resulted in violent dispersals.Despite the country’s ordeal, by the end of 1969, the majority of Filipinos still continued believing in Marcos’ capability that he won the November 11, 1969 elections. This granted him his second term and was supposedly his last in accordance with the 1935 Philippine Constitution. Although the majority has gained him the privileged powers vested in him, it is undeniable that the country’s poverty and the ballooning debt caused by his administration did not leave the people’s scrutinyThis caused days of disquiet and nights of rage from as early as January 1970 until March. There has been a series of protests held at Plaza Miranda, the US Embassy, Mendiola, and Sunken Garden. One of which was the protest on January 23 attended by 50,000 protesters after he delivered his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) in the National Museum of Fine Arts–the then legislative building. But the most remarkable and most violent protest was the Battle of Mendiola on January 30, 1970, that which lasted until 5 pm.The cry of the protesters as they marched towards their rendezvous was: “Makibaka! Huwag matakot!”This series of protests is not only attended by progressive organizations, but also students, student farmers, laborers, and urban groups to the point that Enrique Sta. Brigida, a student of Lyceum of the Philippines, was caught and tortured to death by the police because of his participation in these rallies.Sources:
[1] https://martiallawmuseum.ph/interactive/warningsigns/
[2] https://upd.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/UPDate-Vol4-Num1-12-First-Quarter-Storm-Timeline.pdf.
[3] https://www.rappler.com/nation/251141-first-quarter-storm-1970-revisited/.

August 21, 1971
Suspension of the Writ of Habeas Corpus
As the Liberal Party conducted its proclamation rally at Plaza Miranda on August 21, 1971, two hand grenades were thrown onto the stage by an unidentified person. Such a disaster cost nine lives and injured around a hundred attendees including politician Jovito Salonga who was onstage.After the catastrophic bombing encounter at Plaza Miranda, Marcos suspended the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus to stifle the communist insurgency as he firmly believed the bombing was executed by the communist party CPP-NPA. The suspension of the writ of habeas corpus allows arrest even without any proof of arrest warrants; this helps to easily catch the enemies of the country: the communists.“I, President Marcos, President of the Philippines by virtue the powers vested upon me by article 7, section 10, paragraph 2 of the constitution do hereby suspend the privilege of writ of habeas corpus.”
The suspension of the writ of the habeas corpus was considered the prelude to what would come the following year.Sources:
https://martiallawmuseum.ph/interactive/warningsigns/
https://vimeo.com/314920652

September 13, 1972
Oplan Saggitarius
On September 13, 1972, Senator Benigno Aquino delivered his privileged speech and revealed, “Oplan Saggitarius,” ordered by the Philippine President himself, Ferdinand Marcos. In his privileged speech, Aquino expounded that “Oplan Saggitarius” is a top-secret plan that will place Manila and other nearby areas under the control of the Philippine Constabulary as a prelude to Martial Law. Marcos will use the series of bombings in Manila—including the 1971 Plaza Miranda bombing as justification for his takeover and subsequent authoritarian rule [2].Three days after Ninoy delivered his privilege speech, Marcos accused Aquino of being an accomplice to the Communist Party CPP-NPA-NDF led by Jose Maria Sison**Sources:
[1]http://edsarevolution.com/chronology/beforeedsa.php.
[2]https://www.martiallawchroniclesproject.com/declaration-of-martial-law/. **

September 22, 1972
The Trigger
On the night of September 22, 1972, past 8 pm, Defense Secretary Juan Ponce Enrile was driven from his office. When they were along Mandaluyong district, their two-car party was overtaken by a car driven by armed men and rained Enrile’s white Mercedes-Benz sedan with 30 bullets.“A speeding car rushed and passed the escort car where I was riding. Suddenly, it opened several bursts of gunfire toward my car and sped away. The attack was so sudden that it caught everyone by surprise. No one in the convoy was able to fire back.”
Enrile wrote in his 2012 biography.Enrile would have died during that ambush if only he was in his car targeted by the gunmen. The ambush led Marcos to declare Martial Law immediately on the eve of September 23, 1972—hours after the attempted assault on Enrile’s safety. But in 1986, after Martial Law was lifted when Ferdinand Marcos was ousted, Enrile admitted in a media conference at Camp Crame that the ambush was staged and was planned for Martial Law to be juridically justified. There were also eyewitnesses that could prove the sham of the ambush.“Our driver happened to be bringing our car into our driveway at around that time, so he saw the whole thing. He told me that there was a car that came and stopped beside a Meralco post. Some people got out of the car, and then there was another car that came by beside it and started riddling it with bullets to make it look like it was ambushed. But nobody got killed or anything like that. My driver saw this. He was describing it to me.”
Oscar Lopez narrated what his family driver had seen, attesting to the fake ambush.**Source:
[1] https://martiallawmuseum.ph/interactive/warningsigns/.
[2] https://www.nytimes.com/1972/09/23/archives/defense-chief-unharmed-philippines-sets-martial-law-after-attack-on.html.
[3] https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/212616-juan-ponce-enrile-versions-ambush-1972/.
[4] https://philippinediaryproject.com/2021/08/27/a-timeline-of-martial-law/. **

September 23, 1972
The Declaration
On the eve of September 23, 1972, via radio and television, Ferdinand Marcos declared the nation under the state of Martial Law on the grounds of communist insurgency and the ambush of Minister in Defense Juan Ponce Enrile.“I have proclaimed Martial Law in accordance with the powers vested in the president by the constitution of the Philippines. The proclamation of martial law is not a military take over. I, as your duly elected president of the republic use this power which may be implemented by the military authorities but still is a power embodied in the constitution to protect the republic of the Philippines and our democracy [4]…The proclamation of martial law is not a military takeover. It had to be done to protect the Philippines and our democracy… I repeat, this is not a military takeover… the Government of the Republic of the Philippines which was established by our people in 1946 continues. Again, I repeat. This is the same Government that you and the people established in 1946 under the Constitution of the Philippines.”
Martial law entails the domination of military rule in the state. In the Philippine context, this is not solely characterized by such, but it is also characterized by the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, curfews, and shutdown of public utilities including outbound and inbound air transport. On that very same day, Martial Law was implemented by Ferdinand Marcos, the opposition to the Marcos regime—a rough estimate of 8,000 were arrested [2] including 4 senators, several congressmen, and journalists. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino and Jose “Pepe” Diokno were part of the four arrested senators during the first in a series of political arrests. Senator Arturo recounted Ninoy’s arrest in Room 1701 at the Manila Hilton.It was close to midnight when the telephone rang, and the clerk who answered it called for Sen. Aquino who answered it. It took multiple exchanges until the call ended and Ninoy announced that martial law was declared by Ferdinand Marcos.It was close to midnight when the telephone rang, and the clerk who answered it called for Sen. Aquino who answered it. It took multiple exchanges until the call ended and Ninoy announced that martial law was declared by Ferdinand Marcos."Gentlemen, martial law has been declared and I am being arrested. Colonel Gatan is coming up to get me. He says he knows how many of my men are here, but he has a truckload of soldiers, so to spare lives of innocent people in the hotel he asked me not to make any move."
Teodoro M. Locsin was a journalist during the time of martial law and was also arrested together with Aquino and Diokno. He recounted how they were treated during that time."We were fingerprinted” and photographed with numbers on their chests “like common criminals."
They were imprisoned in Camp Crame and then Fort Bonifacio later on.Sources:
[1]https://martiallawmuseum.ph/magaral/declaration-of-martial-law/.
[2]https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/featured/infographic-day-marcos-declared-martial-law-september-23-1972/.
[3]https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/featured/the-history-of-the-senate-of-the-philippines/.
[4]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8amyy1hwmJs.
[5]https://philippinediaryproject.com/2021/08/27/a-timeline-of-martial-law/.

September 28, 1972
And then, It was just Static Noise
Arresting journalists such as Teodoro Locsin did not satiate Ferdinand Marcos’ quenching thirst to silence dissenting opinions and criticisms of his regime, and on September 28, 1972, Marcos issued a Letter of Instruction No. 1 that authorizes the military to sequestrate the assets of major media outlets—including that of Marcos’ known media critique, ABS-CBN; Channel 5 was also part of the media that was shut down."The enemy uses the weapons of modern revolution, the media - newspapers, television and radio -to promote anything that assaults and destroys the foundation of society. Therefore, the commander-in-chief must meet this threat not only with modern artillery, tanks, bullets and rifles, but with the most sophisticated weapons of preventive operations, of even media.
Ferdinand Marcos in his address at Malacañan Palace Reception Hall.292 radio stations, 66 community newspapers, 11 English weekly magazines, 7 television stations, 7 major English dailies, 4 Chinese dailies, 3 Filipino dailies, 1 English-Filipino daily, and 1 Spanish daily were recorded to have been shut down.Although not all media outlets were shut down, what is appalling is that the remaining media outlets allowed to operate belonged to Marcos’ cronies. Thus, the news content published and disseminated to the public favors Ferdinand Marcos.**Source:
This is the rationale for the arrest of some in media who consciously the printing, publication, dissemination, and spreading of stories to undermine the system in which we live; strengthened the morale, or give aid and comfort to the enemy."
[1]https://martiallawmuseum.ph/magaral/breaking-the-news-silencing-the-media-under-martial-law/.
[2]https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/featured/infographic-day-marcos-declared-martial-law-september-23-1972/.
[3]https://philippinediaryproject.com/2021/08/27/a-timeline-of-martial-law/. **

1985
Land Not To the Tillers
Ferdinand Marcos signed and implemented Presidential Decree 27 (PD 27) which intends to emancipate the tenants from the bondage of the soil and transfer to them the ownership of the land they till. Because of PD 27’s wonderful promise, it became the hallmark of Ferdinand Marcos’ Agrarian Reform Program . However, PD 27 only covered 14% of agricultural lands and only 17% of farm workers. PD 27’s clause limiting the tenants’ land ownership to 3-5 hectares came as a hindrance, depriving 55% of the farmer-settlers of rice and corn lands to own lands.However, not even two years after this decree was implemented, General Order (GO) 47 and Presidential Decree (PD) 472 were implemented which undermined the full effectiveness of PD 27. In accordance with GO 47, corporations are required to provide for the needs of their employees: rice and corn. Instead of spending money on uncultivated lands, corporations invaded the lands tended by small farmer-settlers. As such, corporate farming and the agrarian reform program came into a conflict causing rural poverty to increase from 55.6% in 1971 to 63.7% in 1985.Source:
[1] https://martiallawmuseum.ph/magaral/the-marcos-agrarian-reform-program-promises-and-contradictions/.
[2] https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1972/10/21/presidential-decree-no-27/.

_December 1, 1971 _
extended powers
While martial law continues to be implemented: curfews were imposed, the shutdown of public utilities, and continuous arrests of the opposition, activists, labor leaders, and journalists [3]; Ferdinand Marcos was working on the quashal of the 1943 Philippine Constitution and replacing it with another that would let him remain in power since December 1st of 1971.His plans finally came into fruition on January 10-15, 1973 when the 1973 Philippine constitution was approved. Results reported that 90% of the citizens voted in favor of the new constitution even though some communities did not participate in the Citizens Assemblies.And on January 17, 1973, Marcos officially announced that the 1973 Philippine Constitution was ratified and ordered to padlock congress.Sources:
[1]http://edsarevolution.com/chronology/beforeedsa.php.
[2]https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/constitutions/.
[3]https://philippinediaryproject.com/2021/08/27/a-timeline-of-martial-law/.

_1973 _
The opposition
The republic of the Philippines remained under military rule in 1973, Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino despite behind bars was still able to publish open letters against the Marcos Regime. These published letters became the reason for Aquino and Jose "Pepe" Diokno to be transferred—blindfolded and handcuffed—to Laur, Nueva Ecija."I found myself inside a newly painted room, roughly four by five meters with barred windows, the outside of which was boarded with plywood panels.” Aquino narrates his transfer from Fort Bonificaio to Laur, Nueva Ecija "
They were brought back to Fort Bonifacio after enduring 30 days of confinement, and Aquino faced charges of subversion, murder, and illegal possession of firearms. But Ninoy refused to participate in the trial; rather than plead not guilty, he delivered a speech denouncing the trial."Sirs: I know you to be honorable men. But the one unalterable fact is that you are subordinates of the President. You may decide to preserve my life, but he can choose to send me to death. Some people suggest that I beg for mercy. But this I cannot in conscience do. I would rather die on my feet with honor, than live on bended knees with shame."
The trials for Ninoy's charges were suspended the same year it was filed: 1973, but the trial resumed in 1975. He was found guilty in 1977 and was sentenced to death.Although Ninoy was found guilty and sentenced to death, freedom was given to him in 1980 due to a heart attack. With permission from the Marcos administration, he treated his ailment in Texas and settled in Massachusetts as an exile.Source:
[1]https://martiallawmuseum.ph/magaral/from-senator-to-prisoner-the-story-of-ninoy-aquino/.

February 16-27, 1981
Papal Visit: A Divine Intervention
In 1981, Pope St. John Paul II was set to visit the Philippines, specifically from February 16-27, 1981 [2]. At this time, martial law is still in effect, but Ferdinand Marcos had other things in mind. Days before Pope St. John Paul II arrived, Ferdinand Marcos lifted the long-time imposed martial law to receive a good impression from the Pope himself. However, this did not give the Filipino people their whole freedom as he still retained extra-legal powers.Instead of receiving the Pope’s good impression, Marcos instead received a confrontation from the Pope about human rights. On February 17, 1981, Pope St. John Paul II delivered his speech at the presidential palace, and with Ferdinand Marcos by his side, he reminded the President that human rights violations have no justification even to meet exceptional security needs."Even in exceptional situations that may at times arise, one can never justify any violation of the fundamental dignity of the human person or of the basic rights that safeguard this dignity. Legitimate concern for the security of a nation, as demanded by the common good, could lead to the temptation of subjugating to the State the human being and his or her dignity and rights. Any apparent conflict between the exigencies of security and of the citizens' basic rights must be resolved according to the fundamental principle—upheld always by the Church—that social organization exists only fοr the service of man and for the protection of his dignity, and that it cannot claim to serve the common good when human rights are not safeguarded."
After the Pope’s speech, it was Ferdinand Marcos’s time to speak but he discarded his prepared welcome remarks for the Pope. Instead, he gave an emotional extemporaneous speech apologizing for past differences between his government and the Catholic church.Sources:
[1]http://edsarevolution.com/chronology/beforeedsa.php.
[2]https://www.licas.news/2020/02/25/pope-st-john-paul-iis-1981-visit-manila-under-marcos/.
[3] https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/speeches/1981/february/documents/hfjp-iispe19810217manila-presidente.html.
[4]https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1981/02/18/pope-in-manila-declares-rights-must-be-upheld/8d837b01-9c34-4823-8905-b887fa49b766/.

August 21, 1983
stairway to death
"I have asked myself many times: Is the Filipino worth suffering, or even dying for? Is he not a coward who would yield to any colonizer, be he foreign or homegrown? Is a Filipino more comfortable under an authoritarian leader because he does not want to be burdened with the freedom of choice? Is he unprepared, or worse, ill-suited for presidential or parliamentary democracy? I have carefully weighed the virtues and faults of the Filipino and I have come to the conclusion that he is worth dying for.” Aquino’s speech in 1981 to the Movement for Free Philippines in Los Angeles."
Despite the warnings and his family’s protests, Aquino still returned to the Philippines on August 21, 1983, to negotiate with Marcos."I’d rather die a meaningful death than lead a meaningless life."
Aquino’s reply to his family and friends’ warnings.And just like what his family and friends had warned him, he was shot dead as he dismounted from the plane. His assassination served as the trigger for the Filipinos’ pent-up anger. For 11 hours, over a million people marched to Manila Memorial Park to mourn his death.As the people marched to Manila Memorial Park, they sang “Bayan Ko” and chanted, “Ninoy, Ninoy, Ninoy we love you.”
Source:
[1]https://martiallawmuseum.ph/magaral/from-senator-to-prisoner-the-story-of-ninoy-aquino/.
[2]https://martiallawmuseum.ph/interactive/roadtoedsa/.

1985
Volcano Eruption: Filipino’s Pent-Up Rage
After more than 2 years since Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino’s assassination, the opposition and the guerilla movements against martial law grew in numbers because of the Philippines’ situation.To prove that he is still an effective leader, Marcos called for snap elections on ABC-TV’s “This Week with David Brinkley."Well I understand the opposition has been asking for an election. In answer to their request, I announce that I am ready to call a snap election perhaps earlier than eight months, perhaps three months or less…I think we have to settle it by calling an election right now. Say give everybody 60 days or so to campaign and bring the issues to the people. I’m ready, I’m ready…You raise the question of the ineptness ... the effectivity of armed forces ... perhaps the other institutions of the government. I think this should be brought to our people…what the people say about this question of support."
Without further prompting, Marcos said that his Philippine opposition has been asking for an election and that he is ready to call for one in three months or less “if all these childish claims to popularity on both sides have to be settled."It probably would be sufficient,” he said, “for the legislature, upon my suggestion . . . to include in the pending election code a statement to the effect that, in addition to the other causes for holding a special election--which are the proved disability of the president, his death, his removal from office and resignation . . . you can add another instance: where, in his judgment, there is need to bring a fundamental issue to the people"
Source:
[1]https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-11-04-mn-22-story.html.
[2]https://apnews.com/article/4129ae5b82d8ba4432d92995be3a4a19.

February 7, 1986
In A Snap: Elections and Fraud Results
The snap elections took place on February 7, 1986. On February 10, 1986, there have been multiple complaints of widespread fraud by Ferdinand Marcos’ supporters and 30 computer workers in the Government’s vote-counting agency reported that the returns are being falsified in favor of Ferdinand Marcos; vote-buying was also prevalent. All these activities show a lack of respect for electoral procedures."There is no evil or malicious, mischievous intent on the part of the Government.'' Ferdinand Marcos aired his side about the allegations thrown at him in NBC and ABC News interviews. He commented that the allegations were ''part of a smear campaign,'' and added, ''I find it degrading."
He went on further and said that the main problem was that voters were "held back by priests, nuns, and Namfrel representatives."
On February 15 11:39 pm, the National Assembly—dominated by Ferdinand Marcos’ political party proclaimed Marcos the winner of the February 7 snap elections. However, this was recieved with public outrage. At a televised late-night victory celebration at Malacanang Palace, Mr. Marcos said the election "strengthened the spirit of the Filipino nation"
With Marcos’ victory announced, this led for the opposition’s indignation rally on February 16, 1986 called Bayan rally [2]. During the Bayan rally held at Luneta, Cory Aquino spoke to around two million people, and called for massive civil disobedience and boycott of Marcos-crony owned companies and products"We have not come to celebrate victory,” Aquino told the huge but largely glum crowd. “Nor have we come to concede defeat. We have come . . . to continue the struggle against the forces of evil and in this we are not alone. We, the people, are together. I am not asking for a violent revolution. This is not the time for that."
Cory Aquino’s speech was replied with her mass of supporters chanting, “Dictator! Dictator!”
"Let us show Marcos and the world he is not supported by the people,”
Aquino declared, adding that the protest should be a peaceful “day of prayer.**Sources:
[1]https://martiallawmuseum.ph/interactive/roadtoedsa/.
[2]https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/edsa/the-ph-protest/.
[3]https://www.nytimes.com/1986/02/16/world/marcos-is-declared-victor-aquino-says-he-is-beaten-reagan-calls-vote-suspect.html.
[4]https://www.nytimes.com/1986/02/10/world/observers-of-vote-cite-wide-fraud-by-marcos-party.html.
[5]https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-02-17-mn-8984-story.html. **

February 22-25, 1986
Guns’ Downfall to Flowers and Rosaries
For four days, millions of Filipino people went out to the streets of Manila, specifically— along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) to oust the strongman Ferdinand Marcos [1]. Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile, who was part of the declaration of Martial Law in 1972, absconded Marcos’ side
DAY ONE
On February 22, 1986, at 6:45 in the evening, the then Defense Minister Juan Ponce-Nerile and AFP Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Fidel Ramos announced their desertion from the marcos regime."We're going to die here fighting,"
Enrile during their 6:45 pm press conference.Their announcement called for support coming from the Catholic Church. At 9 pm, through radio veritas, Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin called on people to support for Enrile and Ramos. Since then, radio veritas continued with its blow-by-blow report of the siege."Leave your homes now. I ask you to support Mr. Enrile and Gen. Ramos, give them food if you like, they are our friends."
Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin encouraging the people to support Enrile and Ramos.At 10:30 pm, Marcos appeared on television and called for Enrile and Ramos’ surrender.“I am in control of the situation.”
said Marcos about Enrile and Ramos absconsion from Marcos. “Stop this stupidity and surrender so we may negotiate.”
Marcos said to Enrile and Ramos.“Enough is enough, Mr. President. Your time is up. Do not miscalculate our strength now.”
Enrile’s reply to Marcos through radio Veritas.
DAY two
On February 23, 1986, Cory Aquino held a press briefing in Cebu to encourage people’s support for Enrile and Ramos; called on “decent elements in the military”
to side with the Filipino peeople; and she asked Marcos to step down.Throng of the Filipino people heeded the calls to support Enrile and Ramos’ cause. For the rest of the day, the road was a sea of people rallying against Marcoss administration—calling for him to step down. As people gathered on the streets, the White House issued a statement questioning the Marcos government’s credibility and legitimacy; Marcos also received a letter from Pope John Paul II asking for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.At 6:30 pm, Radio Veritas went off the air as the emergency transmitters was neutralized by the military. However, at about 11:30 pm, Radio Veritas’ broadcaster June Kiethley moved and broadcasted to dzRJ using Radio Veritas’ frequency of 840 kHz to keep her location secret.
DAY three
“We’ll wipe them out. It is obvious they are committing rebellion.”
Marcos speaking on radio.On the eve of Word spread out that Marcos was planning an attack. Thus at 1 am, church bells were rung. People again gathered on the streets, tires are set ablaze and sandbags and rocks are piled up to block the roads to Camp Crame.With the worsening situation, the then US President Ronald Reagen refused to personally tell Marcos to step down from his position but offered Marcos an asylum. However, Marcos refused.As time passed by, the tension between the people and the Marcos loyalist soldiers led by Col. Braulio Balbas. Teargas, were used against civilians who still stood their ground despite such chaos.Within 6 am, there were reports that the Marcoses departed, which was also confirmed by Ramos."This is the day of our liberation!"
Ramos and Enrile announced to the cheering crowd after hearing rumors about the Marcoses departing.However, this celebration was outlived when Marcos appeared on television at 9 am, declaring a state of emergency and has no intention to step down from his position. Such announcement did no waver the people’s determination to oust him. People continued to flock in EDSA.When the evening came, the United States abandoned their alliance with Marcos’ regime and endorsed Aquino’s government. But with Marcos’ stubbornness at an all time high, he asserted his powers through television aired past 8 pm.
DAY FOUR
On the eve of February 25, 1986, the rumor of the Marcoses escaping increased by this time. But still, Ferdinand Marcos attempted to fight for his position because at past midnight, soldiers fired at barricades at rebels—many were wounded caused by such an attack; and despite the suggestion of Marcos’ labor minister Blas Ople for Marcos and his family to escape, he still refused because Imelda Marcos did not want to leave.5 AM. On the phone to Washington, President Marcos asks US Sen. Paul Laxalt if he should resign. Laxalt’s reply: “I think you should cut, and cut cleanly. The time has come.”
It was at 11:55 am that Marcos will be sworn into office. The ceremony was held in Malacanang’s Ceremonial Hall. But as he raised his hand to take his oath, the live television forecast was abruptly cut.It was between 5 to 6 pm that the rumors of the Marcoses’ departure was confirmed. Marcos called Enrile with an appeal to stop the rebels firing the Palace, and mentioned his willingness to leave the palace.With such announcement, the US Embassy notified the Palace of its terms: the Marcoses had only two hours to leave. 5 U.S. helicopters were used for the Marcos family’s departure. The first helicopter took off at 9:05 pm and followed by the remaining 4.Sources:
[1]https://martiallawmuseum.ph/interactive/roadtoedsa/.
[2]https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/edsa/the-ph-protest/.
[3]https://www.inquirer.net/edsa/timeline/.
[4]https://news.abs-cbn.com/focus/02/21/17/timeline-edsa-people-power-revolution.

February 25, 1985
Thieves on the Loose
On February 25, 1986, Ferdinand Marcos’s presidency came to an end. However, the day before, he had already completely lost the power over the military. On the night of February 25, Ferdinand Marcos and his family fled to Hawaii with looted gold bricks and diamond jewelries.On February 25, 1986 at 9:52 pm, Radio dzRH announces: “The Marcoses have fled the country.”
Sources:
[1]https://martiallawmuseum.ph/interactive/roadtoedsa/.
[2]https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2019/06/05/chapter-iii-exile/.
[3]https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/featured/the-fall-of-the-dictatorship/,
[4]https://www.inquirer.net/edsa/timeline/.

📚 Read About Martial Law
Non-Fiction: Books about Martial Law
*“...I began to realize that Marcos imposed martial law, not to save the country from a Communist rebellion and to reform society, but to hold on to the presidency for life — and as a dictator.”*
📕 Primitivo Mijares, The Conjugal Dictatorship
*“If Robles brought out the brutality of the Marcos dictatorship, Manapat showed the kleptocracy of the Marcos regime and his associates at work down to the very single penny. From sales records, listing of various properties, it opens the eyes of people to the bewilderment of not only readers of politics but of history that references the extravagances of the Ancien Regime of Louis and Marie Antoinette.”*
📕 Ricardo Manapat, Some Are Smarter Than Others: The History of Marcos’ Crony Capitalism
*“He said, Inday, I’m going to see my daddy today. So I will not wait for mommy. I will just use a bus to get to the place.” Priscilla Mijares on her son’s last words before going missing.”*
📕 Raissa Robles, Marcos Martial Law: Never Again
*“By stirring in his readers a fire to know more about our past, Lacaba performs what the storytellers of yore considered as their role in the tribe: to connect the present and the past. Despite Lacaba’s “sharp eye for telling detail,” recall of “colloquial phrases,” and faithful evocation of “period atmosphere,” he has not “domesticated” history (Samuel). Days of Disquiet, Nights of Rage “rescues the past from the ‘enormous condescension’ of posterity” (Samuel).”*
📕 Jose F. Lacaba, Days of Disquiet, Nights of Rage: The First Quarter Storm & Relevant Events
*"This book was an amazing way of finding information about the history of the Philippines. I learned many political events and the leaders that led these events."*
📕 Daniel B. Schirmer, The Philippines Reader: A History of Colonialism, Neocolonialism, Dictatorship, and Resistance
*"Exposed to the continuing local communist struggle, the Lumad’s struggle today goes beyond mere postmodern slogan of the “right to narrate”. The “other-ness” of the Lumad has nothing to do with their being different as global capitalism penetrates the remaining non-commodified territories around the globe."*
📕 Arnold P. Alamon, Wars of Extinction: Discrimination & The Lumad Struggle in Mindanao
*"This book is for both journalists and nonjournalists, also for lovers and practitioners of law especially where freedom of the press is concerned. This book is for the present and future generations, for them to appreciate the power of the written word and the importance of keeping watch in the night with their lamps trimmed while the battle rages between darkness and light."*
📕 Ma. Ceres P. Doyo, Press Freedom Under Seige: Reportage that Challenged the Marcos Dictatorship
*"Walang pang dokumentong papantay sa personal na damdamin at mga aktwal na karanasan sa digma na pinatatangkaang saklawin ng Muog. Mula sa mga taong bahagi at naging bahagi ng kilusan, mas mauunawaan ang kanilang personal na pagkiling sa mga prinsipyo, mas maiintindihan ang halaga ng sama-samang pagkilos. Kung para lamang ipaunawa ang mga tunguhin ng pambansa-demokratikong rebolusyong Pilipino sa paraang pinakamalikhain at pinakamalapit sa puso ay tunay ngang hindi matitinag ang Muog."*
📕 Galacio Guillermo, Muog: Ang Naratibo ng Kanayunan sa Matagalang Digmaang Bayan sa Pilipinas
*"Isang ina, kadre, makata, feminista, rebolusyonarya, at aktibista sa panahon ng diktadurang Marcos. Si Lorena ay isa sa mga maituturing na tunay na artista at anak ng masa't bayan…Mula sa kasaysayang ng kanyang pamilya; sa pagiging isang huwarang mag-aaral at yaman ng kanyang departamento dahil sa kanyang husay at talino; sa pangunguna niya sa mga organisasyon at kilos protesta para sa karapatan ng mamamayan at mga kababaihan; ang kanyang mga istorya ng pag-ibig at pagkabigo; at kung paano umigpaw si Lorena mula sa peti-burges o mula sa intelektwal at panggitnang pwersa patungo sa pagiging isang rebolosyunarya at pulang mandirigmang mulat sa reyalidad at lubog sa sitwasyon at pagkilos ng masa."*
📕 Pauline Mari Hernando, Lorena: Isang Talambuhay
*"A prison diary by writer and UP professor Dolores Stephens-Feria, who was detained during martial law, tells of one officer whom she calls “Reggie” (most of the persons mentioned in the book appear under code names) defending the practice of hazing at the Philippine Military Academy, where he graduated."*
📕 Dolores S. Feria, Project Sea Hawk: The Barbed wire Journal
*"the contributors write very candidly about their experiences, and there is no romanticization of political activism. They reveal the grim realities of being underground, surviving political detention, and witnessing tragic losses at the hands of the state. I caught myself reading with bated breath and feeling the tension of each story building with each page."*
📕 Mila De Guzman, Women Against Marcos: Stories of Filipino and Filipino American Women Who Fought a Dictator
*"They were young: too young to die, too young to carry the complacency of a slumbering people, too young to suffer tyrants. They deserved to live."*
📕 Asuncion David-Maramba, Six Young Filipino Martyrs
*"I think what I learned from this book is that government atrocities and social injustices will always be in our midst. Unlike before when I was too young to pay attention to what was happening around me, now that I am past midlife, it is easier to voice my opinions on matters that affect a group of people not only in our country but also overseas. Internet makes it easier too. Let's voice our opinion because we will only influence other people if we speak or write what's on our mind."*
📕 Ma. Ceres P. Doy, Macli-ing Dulag: Kalinga Chief: Defender of the Cordillera
*"Silverio’s book is not out to prove that national democracy is the antidote to the big, serious problems that afflict the country…The tragedy right now is that we are endlessly told that the Philippines is hopeless. Many are cynical. Opportunists cunningly rebrand oligarchs as democrats and produce prettified resumes and life stories to deceive the people that only them – the elite who have for the longest time misled and mismanaged the nation – have the capacity and capability to win in elections and to be high government officials."*
📕 Ina Alleco Silverio, Ka Bel: The Life and Struggle of Crispin Beltran
*"this book is something that comes rarely in the Philippine literature for this is a biography of a revolutionary leader."*
📕 Jun Cruz Reyes, Armando
*"Nang manghinawa ang manggagawa sa labas-litid at taas-kamaong pamamaraan ng mga unang pagtatanghal na hawig sa dulaan ng aktibistang mag-aaral, luminaw na ang pagkabuo nila bilang naiibang talaksaan ng mga manonood. Lumikha sila ng sariling mga teksto, bukod sa kinandili ang mga namana nila sa radikal at rebolusyonaryong daloy ng kulturang Pilipino sa kasaysayan."*
📕 Apolonio Bayani Chua, Simulain: Dulambayan ng Manggagawa sa Konteksto ng Militanteng Kilusang Unyunismo
*"Sison and Chua blend Malay’s personal story with that of national politics so that readers understand how much his life and that of the nation (at least the imperial capital) have been intertwined."*
📕 Marites N. Sison, Armando J. Malay: A Guardian of Memory: The Life and Times of a Filipino Journalist Activist
Fiction: Books inspired by the events of Martial Law
*“It speaks to our authoritarian time, to the violence in Negros, to the killings all over the country, and of course, to the unequal tenant-landlord relations that is at the heart of why—as Racel and her childhood friends asked Teacher Tina—they were poor. Like the ghosts that never go away in the novel, these historical injustices may yet haunt their perpetrators.”*
📕 Caroline Hau, Tiempo Muerto
*“Ang payapang pampang ay para lang sa mga pangahas na sasalunga sa alimpuyo ng mga alon sa panahon ng unos.”*
📕 Lualhati Bautista, Dekada '70
*“Minsa’y naiisip n’ya na sana kung may operasyon sa utak at may operasyon sa puso sana’y may operasyon din na magbubura ng masasakit na alaala sa utak at puso ng tao magtatangal sa parte ng utak at puso na sisidlan ng mga gunitang dapat nang kalimutan.”*
📕 Lualhati Bautista, Desaparesidos
*“A revolution is not a dinner party, the masses are the real heroes, dare to struggle, dare to win, serve the people, in times of difficulty we must not lose sight of our achievements, must see the bright future and must pluck up our courage, serve the people.”*
📕 Jose Y. Dalisay Jr., Killing Time in a Warm Place
*“Simple yet eye-opening, 12:01 vividly illustrates the martial law experience, and how Filipino solidarity can prevail even in the darkest of times. While it was a bit too short for my liking, it is perfect for those who are looking for something that can be read in one sitting, making it more recommendable to young readers.”*
📕 Rusell Molina and Kajo Baldisimo, 12:01
*“Augie Rivera's book, Si Jhun-Jhun, Noong Bago Ideklara Ang Batas Militar is unusual for a children's story. It takes up social and political issues, and uplifts the value of close family ties, and the unified spirit of the Filipino people…The plot of the book is a good opportunity for the youth to have a sense of history of Martial Law.”*
📕 Augie Rivera, Si Jhun-Jhun Noong Bago Idineklara ang Batas Militar
*“A memoir that matters. Subversive Lives tells the story of the Quimpo family and gives its readers a taste of what it's like to be a communist during the Marcos regime (or rather, what it's like to be in a family of communists). Although the family presumably belonged to the middle class group of the society, each sibling's story provides fresh and personal insights of the revolutionary movement--all the while supplying his or her readers with the necessary information needed to understand the internal and external networks and the organizations found in communists groups.”*
📕 Susan F. Quimpo & Nathan Gilbert Quimpo, Subversive Lives: A Family Memoir of the Marcos Years
*"Eric Gamalinda captures the very essence of how Filipinos endure despite all the bad things that happened in our shared past. In addition, he also effectively conveys our gullibility, mysticism, disillusionment, yearning, strength, and our many flaws. But despite the latter, Gamalinda places his focus on the number one strength of the Filipinos - our HOPE. We may be ruled by corrupt officials, stricken by natural disasters, may find ourselves without a job, a house, without money, and yet we can still smile and love and believe. I appreciated the great many details in the book - snippets of important history, popular culture, descriptions of places, people and things. The stories and situations depicted felt so familiar, as if the words were written for me, for my countrymen."*
📕 Erick Gamalinda, Empire of Memory (1992)
*"The vision one holds of one’s life is so limited, reduced in a scope to a moment, so that each person can make choices only within that narrowed reality"*
📕 Arlene Chai, Eating Fire and Drinking Water (1996)

🎞 Watch Films AND DOCUMENTARIES About Martial Law
Documentaries
*“It is hard to judge exactly how popular he was because he completely dominated the scene too many”*
🎞 Imelda (2003) by Ramona S. Diaz
*“Perception is real and the truth is not”*
🎞 Imelda Romualdez Marcos, The Kingmaker (2019) by Lauren Greenfield
*“We, the generation who saw it all, suffered through it, and won our freedom and democracy back, will never forget.”*
🎞 Fr. Aniceto ‘Mao’ Buenafe Jr., Fear, violence, gripped Negros Occidenta during Martial Law by Rappler
Films
*“Hindi ko kayang magbulag-bulagan o manahimik. Malaki ang pagkakasala ng isang taong nananahimik sa ganitong panahon.”*
🎞 Kumander Toto, Liway (2018) by Kip Oebanda
*“... Ang hindi babanggitin ni Marcos ay paraan niya ang batas-militar nang sa gayon ay masamsam niya ang yaman ng mga tao.”*
🎞 Michael Pante (Department of History, Ateneo De Manila University), Alaala: A Martial Law Special (2017) by Adolfo Alix Jr.
*“Alam mo, ang ibinibili sa sahud mo ay yung mismong pansweldo sa iyo. Iginigisa ka sa sarili mong mantika. Pag-umangal ka naman, bakbak ka sa trabaho.”*
🎞 Omeng, Maynila sa Kuko ng Liwanag (1975) by Lino Brocka
*“Inaamin ko kasalanan ko pero kasalanan din ng anak mo. Alam mo ba kung ano ang ginagawa ng anak mo kung wala ka dito? Naliligo ng nakahubad, nakatihaya sa kwarto. Lalake lang ako Tanya, sinong hindi madedemonyo huh? Anong palagay mo sa akin, walang pakiramdam?”*
🎞 Dado, Insiang (1976) by Lino Brocka
*“Lahat ng mga tao sa mundo, loko-loko. Diba? Yun bang mga mukhang inahaharap nila sa atin, ‘di naman nila tunay na mukha eh, diba? Maraming mukha yang mga tao. May mukhang pampamilya, may mukhang pambarkada, pang-asawa, pang girlfriend, pang sward friend, etc etc etc. Diba?”*
🎞 Manay Sharon, Manila by Night (1980) by Ishmael Bernal
*“Kung hindi tayo kikilos, sino ang kikilos? Kung hindi ngayon, kailan pa?”*
🎞 Sister Stella L. (1984) by Mike De Leon
*“Hindi ako susuko. Mamamatay ako sa paninindigan ko.”*
🎞 Dekada ‘70 (2002) by Chito S. Rono

🎧 Podcasts about martial law
*“...People talking about their stories, experiences, lessons, and even their small sparks of light inspirations during the darkest days in Philippine History. It's our chance to set things right.”*
📕 Podcast 1081 and Podcast Network Asia, Podcast 1081: Mga Kwentong Martial Law (4 episodes)
*“...in remembering and making sure that we’ll all learn important lessons from the past, accuracy is required and is most important.”*
📕 ANC After the Fact, Ep 87: Martial Law Myths and Lies
*“An independent history podcast produced to help educate Filipinos on the dark years of Martial Law in the Philippines.”*
📕 Hey Listen Manila, Sagittarian Project (10 episodes)
*“The former priest and political detainee Ed dela Torre reflects on the effects of Martial law, the prevalent historical revisionism today, and why it is important for the youth to participate in nation-building..”*
📕 GMA News and Public Affairs, The Howie Severino Podcast Ep 4: Remembering Martial Law)
*“The former priest and political detainee Ed dela Torre reflects on the effects of Martial law, the prevalent historical revisionism today, and why it is important for the youth to participate in nation-building..”*
📕 GMA News and Public Affairs, The Howie Severino Podcast Ep 4: Remembering Martial Law)

what is Historical revisionism?
The term historical revisionism does not have any negative connotation.Buchanan (2010) defined historical revisionism as an act of reinterpreting past events based on new-found information. Krasner (2019) highlights historical revisionism's role in correcting errors in history and how it advances historical narrative to a less biased viewpoint.But it is important to note that changes must be on the grounds of empirical evidence: ascertaining facts that convey the truth, corroborating contending views, and producing impartial interpretations (Guiang, 2020.) The process of learning and unlearning significant events is one of history’s essential purpose; it does not remain stagnant but constantly changes in accordance with evidence.Thus, it is merely normal—and progressive for historical narratives to change.But the line drawn between positive and negative historical revisionism lies in the intent and the scientific foundation. Where positive historical revisionism aims for historical knowledge to progress based on a sound scientific foundation, negative historical revisionism merely intends to manipulate with a lack of sound evidence.The Marcoses have been using negative historical revisionism to fuel their aspirations of reclaiming their power. Through social media’s expansive reach, accessibility, and loose evaluation, paid trolls circulated malicious propaganda on social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and youtube. The problem however does not solely originate from the manipulation of historical narrative, because fake news was also proliferated.The false information and historical revisionism proliferated around social media platforms entice the masses because first, they are comprehensible for the masses to understand; and second, these appeal to the readers’ emotions. One of the narratives that trolls circulate online is the Philippines’ “Golden Era” during Ferdinand Marcos’ time which is “evident” in the infrastructures that Marcos built.Noriega (2020) cited Tsek.ph’s findings that showed 92% of disinformation and misinformation were in favor of Bongbong Marcos.Sources:
https://www.bulatlat.org/2020/09/25/historical-revisionism-concept-and-practice/.
https://www.greenhavenpublishing.com/title/Historical-Revisionism.
https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780199532919.001.0001/acref-9780199532919.
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/830939/tsek-ph-92-of-false-info-favorable-to-marcos-96-of-disinformation-vs-robredo-negative/story/.
I. Justifications of the Declaration of Martial Law (According to Proclamation No. 1081)
MYTH:
Martial Law was necessary to address Communist Rebellion
FACT:
Under martial law, thousands of Marcos’ opponents were arrested. CPP-NPA activists living in Philippine cities fled to the organization’s bases in the countryside. From 500 members involving the communist insurgency, it has grown to an organized national movement of 16,000 and more after his presidency.Sources: https://www.nytimes.com/1986/09/14/weekinreview/philippine-communists-are-spread-widely-but-not-thinly.html
https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/citations/AD1020399
MYTH:
Violence in Mindanao was getting out of hand!
FACT:
There was no imminent danger of a viable secessionist rebellion in Mindanao in spite of the sectarian violence of armed Christian and Muslim groups in the early 1970s. More so, the declaration of martial law resulted in an armed Muslim insurgency against the state instead of solving it.Source: https://publishing.cdlib.org/ucpressebooks/view?docId=ft0199n64c&chunk.id=d0e2422&toc.depth=1&toc.id=d0e2422&brand=ucpress
MYTH:
Widespread Anarchy and Violence, even Jonny (Enrile) got ambushed!
FACT:
Although there was social unrest and increased social mobilization in the time immediately before Martial Law imposition, there is little evidence that there was widespread anarchy and chaos necessitating the declaration of Martial Law in September 1972. Enrile admitted that the attack on his car had been faked.Source: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/284836/true-or-false-was-1972-enrile-ambush-faked
II. The Philippine Economy During the Martial Law
A. The Golden Age: Wage, Labor, Poverty
MYTH:
“Sa panahon ni Marcos, datu kaayo ang Pilipinas.”
FACT:
For a time, at the early years of Martial Law, the Philippine economy was doing good but this was short-lived as Marcos’ economic policies were unsustainable. Soon after, the debts ballooned more than we could pay and we were paying debt by making more debt. In numbers:A year after Marcos declared Martial Law, the country’s GDP growth rate rose from 5.4% to 8.8% and quickly declined to 3.4% the year after. In 1975-1976 the GDP growth rate rose back due to a production surplus but the economy continued to fluctuate and suffered up to -7% fall towards the end of his regime.Inflation during Martial Law peaked at 50.3% in 1984 from 10% in 1983. This extreme climate in the Philippine economy was one of the causes of social unrest leading to the 1986 EDSA People Power.Since 1972, at 5.4% unemployment upon martial law declaration, the unemployment rate in the country has been low for a few years until 1981 when it quickly rose back up, closing the Marcos regime at 9.1% unemployed Filipino workforce.Martial Law declaration started with a 29.9% external debt to Gross National Income (GNI) which ballooned to 86.3% of debt vs income by 1986. According to estimations by experts, this debt will take up to 40 years after the EDSA revolution until taxpayer money can pay it off.Source: https://databank.worldbank.org/source/world-development-indicators
B. Exchange rate
MYTH:
“Ang piso sa una dako na kaayo. Kanang imo dos, usa ka dolyar na.”
FACT:
By the start of Marcos’ first term as president, the peso-US dollar exchange rate was already at 3.90 Php per 1 USD. After his $50-M election campaign in 1969, the exchange rate was already at 6 pesos per US dollar. By 1986, one US dollar was already worth 20 Philippine pesos. The Php 2.00 per USD exchange rate was only during the 1950s.Source: https://fx.sauder.ubc.ca/etc/USDpages.pdf
C. Infrastructure: The Debt-Driven Development (Loans and Debts)
MYTH:
* “Panahon ra jud ni Marcos nakapatukod anang mga dagkong bilding ug tulay.”*
FACT:
Ferdinand and Imelda alike spearheaded many momentous architectural landmarks but experts say most of these construction projects were “not very productive and many were outrightly wasteful” and that they mainly were “designed to secure a political constituency, to get a commission, or to corner a contract.” Records from the World Bank and International Monetary Fund show that these infrastructure projects were funded by foreign loans.Source: https://newslab.philstar.com/31-years-of-amnesia/building-spree
D. The Legitimate Income
MYTH:
* “Ngano mangawat pa man nga kaklaro anang datu na sila daan.”*
FACT:
According to a 2003 Supreme Court ruling, the total computed undeclared assets of the Marcos family, also called “ill-gotten wealth,” was found to be more than 2,000 times the legitimate income Marcos has earned as president of the country for 22 years.Source: https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/1/48708
E. Leader of Asia
MYTH:
“Nag-una gayud ang Pilipinas sa Asya panahon ni Marcos.”
FACT:
During the 1950s, before the Marcos regime, the Philippines relatively topped the economic ranks in terms of income. But as debt grew without clear strategies for payment, coupled with overspending beyond means, our ASEAN neighbors quickly raced past us and we became the laggard of Asia.Source: Penn World Table 9.0
f. Never Convicted
MYTH:
“Kung tinuod nga kawatan ug makasasala si Marcos, ngano wala man na ma preso?”
FACT:
Ferdinand Marcos Sr. died in 1989 only three years after his exile and while he was prosecuted, there are no records of conviction before his death. However, several rulings such as the Swiss Federal Supreme Court, New Jersey Supreme Court, and Singapores’ Court of Appeals have ruled in favor of the Philippine government against the Marcos family’s ill-gotten wealth through various offshore accounts linking to their assets.This myth has been a common defense for the Marcos family including the dictator’s son, current president Bongbong Marcos. This is still a lie. Marcos Jr. was convicted in 1997 for tax evasion.Source: Swiss Federal Supreme Court, New Jersey Supreme Court, and Singapore’s Court of Appeals, Philippine Supreme Court G.R. No. 120880
III. Mythology of the Name
a. War Hero
MYTH:
“Marcos was the most decorated military soldier in Philippine History.”
FACT:
It is proven that there are no records that show his claims of being a war hero is true. Army investigators have debunked his fictitious guerrilla unit called ‘Maharlika’. Moreover, with the help of the Philippine Army, U.S. Veterans’ Administration found out that some of the members of the said guerrilla unit were actually selling contraband to the Japanese.Read more: https://newslab.philstar.com/31-years-of-amnesia/war-hero
b. Tallano Gold
MYTH:
“If (BBM) Marcos wins, he will distribute the tallano golds!”
FACT:
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines) has denied storing 400,000 tons of “Tallano Gold”—even the late dictator’s son, Bongbong Marcos, has rejected its existence. In an interview with DZBB during his presidential campaign, Bongbong Marcos clarified, “Walang ginto.”Source: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1550323/walang-ginto-bongbong-marcos-says-on-familys-gold
c. The Prophesied Ruler
MYTH:
"The prophet Nostradamus foretold Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s presidential win.”
FACT:
Nostradamus was an astrologer who gained fame from his book of prophecies, “Les Prophéties,” but there is no mention of “pearl of the orient seas” referring to the Philippines nor of the name “Marcos” explicitly or otherwise.
IV. The Other Side of the Coin
a. The Greatest Robbery of the Government
MYTH:
*“Paninira lang yan ng mga Liberal, dinelete na kase di totoo”
*
FACT:
Guinness stated the records were removed to reassess data; however, the institution clarified that the reassessment does not correlate to renouncing or disputing the historical fact.Source: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/03/18/2168193/fact-check-guinness-not-disputing-historical-fact-greatest-robbery-govt
B. NutriBun
MYTH:
“Ka-experience mi ana! Marcos Project jud na.”
FACT:
Nutri Bun was a product of USAID’s mission in the Philippines in the late 1960s. The project was implemented during the administration of Marcos Sr., but it was not his own project.Resource: https://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/Pnaag927.pdf#page=18
C. The Staged death of Ninoy
MYTH:
“Gi-plano jud na para ma-presidente ang asawa”
FACT:
Ninoy Aquino's assassination was the last straw to ending the atrocious two decades of Martial law under the Marcos regime. Although his death led to the uprising that elected his widow, Cory, many Filipinos assumed Ninoy Aquino staged his death to acquire the presidency from the Marcoses. However, statements from the suspects and the investigation reveals it was an assassination plot against Aquino, not the other way around.
D. The Maids of Malacañang vs. The Victims of the Martial Law
MYTH:
“Luoy kaayo ang mga Marcos!”
FACT:
The latest controversial film, Maid in Malacanang, drew much criticism from many viewers. The untold tragic story revolved around the three maids who were to echo a story about the cruel aggression towards the Marcoses on their last days in the palace. However, the brutality towards the victims of their family's ruthless dictatorship seems more tragic Filipinos should know.
Why does this concern me?
MYTH:
“Wala man naunsa akong pamilya.”
FACT:
While your family may not have been directly affected by the military abuse during martial law, data from Amnesty International records about 34,000 people were tortured and 70,000 were imprisoned. Not only that but 3,240 were also killed during his regime (1972-1981). These people had and have a family they needed to get back to. You may check the Human Rights Violations Victims’ Memorial Commission if you wish to read more of victims’ stories.
Survivors' Personal Testimonies
Content Warning: The following stories and testimonies may contain graphic descriptions of violence, mutilation, torture, rape, and abuse of minors. Please use discretion.
🎥 Videos
They were scammed by the administration with the implementation of Coconut Levy Law enacted by Ferdinand Marcos Sr. after making amendments. They were robbed under the pretense of getting taxed for their sector's development. Marcos and his cronies gained approximately P100B from this plunder. Until now, despite constant denial of what they have been through, the farmers are still fighting for justice.
🎥 COCO FARMERS, Farmers"Commander Liway'' was a youth leader who then became a female commander of the underground movement and a guerilla fighter. When she was 8 months pregnant with "Kip", they were in a running gun battle with the military. Attempting to hide her bulging belly, her companion dug a foxhole and covered her with logs but he was hit by a grenade and died while doing so. Eventually, she was imprisoned together with her husband and gave birth to her second child there. It was only after 4 years (in 1986) that they were released along with other political prisoners.
🎥 Cecilia Flores-Oebanda, Woman and Activist
She was illegally arrested, tortured and detained without charges for two years (1974-76) together with her younger sister, Jocelyn. Both their names are in the list of the Human Rights Violations Victims’ Memorial Commision under those who were awarded 7 points.
🎥 Joana K. Cariño, Woman, Indigenous Person, ActivistHe was an elder of the Butbut tribal group from Kalinga. He was assassinated under the command of Ferdinand Marcos for being one of the leaders of the opposition to the late dictator's dam-building project in Chico River. The opposition is due to the fact that if this project is pushed through, IPs will be robbed of their ancestral lands—left without homes—and a source for daily needs such as water and food. There were attempts to bribe Dulag in supporting the project but he persisted and as a result, they took his life. He was not the only one to suffer and to this day, Indigenous People are still actively fighting for their rights.
🎥 Macli-ing Dulag, Indigenous Person, Activist
They were sequestered on September 28, 1972 with the issuance of Letter of Instruction No. 1 under the baseless assumption of conspiring with the communist party. ABC facilities included radio and television stations nationwide. To name some, DZMT and Channel 5. As a result, approximately 10,000 people became unemployed due to this sudden shut-down of their franchise.
🎥 ABS-CBN Broadcasting Center and Associated Broadcasting Corporation, Media
📄 Articles
📰 Coco Farmers
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/03/24/2169591/coconut-farmers-refute-gov-suarezs-denial-scam-coco-levy-scheme
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/276172/coco-farmers-still-remember-martial-law-pain
https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/158066-coco-levy-fund-scam-coconut-farmers-quezon/
📰 Cecilia Flores-Oebanda
https://pcij.org/blog/2627/remembering-edsa-kumander-liway
https://hrvvmemcom.gov.ph/list-of-victims-recognized-motu-proprio/
📰 Joana K. Cariño
https://cpcabrisbane.org/Kasama/2012/V26n3/JoannaCarino.htm
https://hrvvmemcom.gov.ph/list-of-victims-recognized-motu-proprio/
📰 Macli-ing Dulag
https://hrvvmemcom.gov.ph/remembering-macli-ing-dulag-and-the-anti-chico-dam-struggle/
https://cpcabrisbane.org/Kasama/1996/V10n2/Innabuyog.htm
📰 ABS-CBN Broadcasting Center and Associated Broadcasting Corporation
https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/how-marcos-silenced-media-press-freedom-martial-law/
Testimonies from Victims
Content Warning: The following stories and testimonies may contain graphic descriptions of violence, mutilation, torture, rape, and abuse of minors. Please use discretion.
📄 Testimonies
*"Hawod ang militar...Pag Martial Law, nawala ang pulitika. Pait gyud kaayo katong panahona. Ang militar mau ang gamhanan. Kung magdaot ka sa mga gamhanan, basta ngilom, pick-upon ug isakay ka sa tangkal na murag tangkal sa mga iro. Nakahinumdom ko ni Padre Romano. Usa siya sa mga pari na supak sa Martial Law. Nikalit ra siya og kawala ug wala na nakit-an ang iyang lawas. Ig oras sa curfew, dapat muoli na gyud. Mahadlok ko kay naay mangatang sa dalan na mga militar. Dakpon gyud kung makit-an ka sa dalan oras sa curfew. Dili pa ka dapat magsaba-saba og di magpataka og istorya. Sayo jud dapat matulog ug dili na magsuroy-suroy. Ang mga palaliton nimahal. Kung kwartahan ka maayo para nimo. Ingon ana kagrabe ang Martial Law. Hawod kaayo ang mga militar."*
Alejandro Mojado, Civilian
*"Naay mga military sa dalan, and it was not a good scenery especially for us civilians...Martial Law is not a good law to be imposed here in our country, kay kuhaan ta sa atong rights and freedom, usa na ang freedom of speech. Naa usab ta mabasahan sa newspaper nga mukalit lang og kawala... Kada mugawas ka, kada eskina kay naay mga military na nagbitbit og mga armas. Sundan ka og tan-aw nga mura ka og kriminal. Bata pa ko ato and it was scary for me."*
Angelito Daguman, Civilian
*"Kaniadto mahadlok jud ka sa taw na naa sa katungdanan.Grabe man kaayo ang curfew... Kato akong bana ay. Nag-inom sila ato kay sabado man to. Niya karon kay wala sila kahibaw na si Marcos kay nagpadala og mga sundalo o pulis ba to. Ang ila headquarters kay adto sa pier. Niya karon pagsita sa ilaha kay pasado alas dose naman to, hubog man iya kauban kay mauyod, agawon ta to niya ang armalite. Mao to gidakop sila niya adto sila gibutang sa headquarters. Niya ako kay nakulbaan na ko kay akong bana wala pa man kapauli. Giadto nako tanan headquarters sa police station, unya wala man jud sila. Pag alas dose gipagawas raman sad sila."*
Cynthia Policarpio, Woman, Civilian
*"Grabe ka strikto ang balaod sauna. Gidakop mi kay lapas nas curfew unya gipahinlo mi sa barracks sa Philippine Constabulary. Kato sad taas kog buhok, gidakop mi kay gatoo na mga drug addicts mi. Ang gitoohan sauna kay pag taas kag buhok, adik ka. Grabe ka mabaw diba? ... Sauna sad hilig ko anang Woodstock. Puno jud akong kwarto og posters ana. Dali-dali lang mi'g tangtang ato sa akong mga igsoon atong pag-ingon na i-raid daw ang balay. Nahadlok mi kay basi magtuo sila na agi ganahan mi ana kay adik sad mi."*
Elgie Layno, Civilian
*“Ang nasinati nako sa Martial Law nga mahadlok ta mo sulti ug parte sa gobyerno kay hala prisohon ta. Unya dakpon ta sa mga army. Ang atoang mga huna-huna unta na mga maayo di na nato masulti kay ing-anaon man dayon ta na, ‘ikaw against ka sa Martial Law,’ unya dakpon man ta."*
Ligaya Caballero Miñoza, Woman, Civilian
*"I was alone. Somewhere sa may colon, naka-notice ko na naay duha ka tawo, then they were following me. I was thinking, "Unsa kaha ang naa sulod sa akong bag." At that time, you have to be very careful kay kung naa kay mga RM's, kanang mga reading materials na ipanghatag bitaw then what if ma-corner ka and they found out na naa kay mga documents kanang bitawng "OUST! " kanang "IBAGSAK". I was thinking if during the concert, nanghatag ba ko'g mga papers, wala man. So, I just kept on walking, pero ang shadow ba makita man nimo, nya uso na baya ato katong mawagtang ra'g kalit na mga tawo. Sa may highway, sakay ko'g padung Consolacion, dili para Mandaue ako gisakyan, pagsakay nako puno na, anha nako lingkod sa chair sa may tunga. Pagsakay nako, diha nako sa bangko, to my surprise, so, "Nganong nakasakay tong isa ka tawo?" Nag walkie-talkie (radio) to siya, maklaro bitaw nimo ang radio. All throughout, wala lang jud ko, I just kept myself composed. Pag-abot na nako sa eskina sa amoa sa Mandaue, wala pa juy tricycle kay gabi-i na baya. Nabalaka lang gyud ko kay what if kaliton bitaw ko og unsa. Nagsige lang gyud ko'g ampo. Nakasakay na jud kog tricycle, nisakay na lang jud ko bahala na'g backride, nisakay ko bisa'g huot na. Ang akoa, kana bitawng i'g abot nako kay taas pa kaayo na ang kakahoyan bago maabot sa amoa. Dagan jud ko, dagan jud ko padung sa amo. Ang naa jud sa akong hunahuna is, kaluoy sa akong family, kung madamay bitaw. Pag-abot nako sa amo, sulod ko sa kwarto, kana bitawng ma paranoia ka na what if (naglili-lili ko's bintana) naa ra diay to siya gahupohupo ron. That was my greatest ordeal bitaw na makakita ka na naay nagsunod sa imoha."*
Ligaya Rabago, Woman, Activist
*“Nahibulong ko nganong nagkagubot ang mga tawo pagpangutana nako sa akong kauban. Nahibal-an nako na gianunsyo na ni Pres. Marcos ang Martial Law... Kung mangitngit na gani na kay mag iniyahay dayon mi'g uli sa akong mga kauban kay mahadlok ming tanan madakpan. Pero gusto paman dyud ko mubiyahe kay mga bata pa dyud kaayo akong mga anak kailangan kaayo nila ug mga gatas, pero lisod man i-trabaho labi na mulapas kas curfew kay mahadlok ka dal-un ug kalit sa mga militar. Unya kung mahibaw-an nga anti-Marcos mo kay dakpon dayun, ug usahay di na makit-an ug balik.”*
Lito Merto, Civilian
*"Akong na-experience sa una sa Martial Law, sa akong bahin ganahan ra ko ato kay stricto man toh sauna ang curfew. Kanang wa nay magsuroy-suroy. Mga maldito nahipos na. Nya sayo na mahipos ang mga taw, sayo mangatulog... Kuyaw lang sa laing bahin kay mapagan ang way labot. Kay dali ra kaayo patyon ang tawo. Kanang patyon lang dayun, pusilon. Ana bitaw. Nya makuyawan mi mogawas. Kuyaw baya to sauna mugawas kay naay daghan mupatay dayun ug kanang naay pangitaon. Stricto kay sauna."*
Lolita Yujoco, Woman, Civilian
*"I remember a time where I had to come home with my clothes all wet because they [the police dept./anti-protesters] had to hose us down with dirty water in order for us, the protesters, to disperse."*
Judith was a college student when Martial Law started. At such a young age she knew the anxiety of not seeing her loved ones ever again as she saw how military tanks roamed freely in the streets. Wanting to take action against the late-dictator’s mandate, she joined rallies as part of STC’s Social Organization bearing in heart the possibility of disappearing under military orders as protesters were reported missing left and right during those times.Judith Dabon, Woman, Activist, Student
*"Panahon sa Martial Law naa ko sa Manila nag trabaho kauban akong pagumangkon sa isa ka bakery ug grocery store. Kahinumdum gyud ko na gitawagan ko sa akong ate na kinamagwangan na paulion lage mi niya kay wala na daw palarguhon nga barko. Naghilak gyud tog pamugos namo. Wala mi naka uli, wala sad manirado among gitrabahuan. Makuyawan nalang lage mi kay mangurog kalit ang yuta tungod sa mga tangke di-gyera na moagi. Ang kampo sad sa mga militar duol sa amo. Nagpasalamat lang pud ko na wala gyuy nangamatay dapit sa amo. Pero hangtud karun mahinumduman gihapon nako ang kahadlok sa mga taw niatong panahuna."*
Maximiliana Iway, Woman, Civilian
*"Mingaw ra man sa Bogo (now Bogo City) ato. Mupatuo raman sad mi ni mama ato, dili mi pagawas ika gabie ug dili mi pasabaon. Ang ako gyud mahinumduman ug pag ayo kay sila tiyo manggarahe sa ilang tricycle wala pay alas 6 sa gabie. Sayo sab mi patulgon ni mama para daw dili kaayo mi kadungog sa kagubot sa gawas."*
Mercy Naparte Mangubat, Woman, Civilian
*"Terrifying, martial law was very terrifying. We were not allowed to speak, the media were blocked, everything was so quiet. During that time, I was working as a head nurse in a famous hospital in Jones Ave., Cebu City. We had a union at work back then. But since talking and voicing out your sentiments were not allowed, the company took advantage of it and started to terminate employees without any valid reason. So, we had a strike against the management. We barricaded the hospital, and we were not allowed to go inside, so we ended up staying on the streets instead. We were very hungry and tired. The good thing was, there were organizations in Cebu who willingly helped us, like Father Romano, a priest from Redemptorist. He gave us rations of food. But unfortunately, he went missing. After giving us the ration for the day, he disappeared. Until now, no one has ever seen him. After that incident, we were very scared, because who knows who will be the next one?
Even though we were very scared, we still put up a fight against the management. The strike went on for days. We were blocking (by linking our arms) the hospital, because of that the management called the military. I was among those people at the front line. When the military arrived, they blasted us with water using a firemen’s water hose. I was thrown away. It was very painful. Some of us even had bruises. When all of us were soaked, the military picked us and tossed us inside a truck. I was harshly shoved inside the truck, with the military holding only my belt. We were then sent into prison after that."*
Metria Rensulat, Protester, Civilian
*“Sa-una kay peaceful kaayo to walay gubot. Makaingon ko nga disiplinado ang mga tao. Dili mi kalaag basta-basta. Kahinumdom ko nanglaag mi unya naabtan mi ug curfew sa dalan, mao to timing man nga naay haya sa duol, ningsulod mi didto unya istorya sa tagbalay unya kape-kape para dili mi madakpan.”*
Thelma Homecillo, Woman, Civilian
First-Hand Accounts
Content Warning: The following stories and testimonies may contain graphic descriptions of violence, mutilation, torture, rape, and abuse of minors. Please use discretion.
📄 Testimonies
*“...Early in the morning, probably around four. It was still dark. And I was somewhere in Colon. They were waiting for me. Three men accosted me and immediately they said that “You’re under arrest,” and [they] had guns and I was dumped into a car and then I was immediately brought to Camp Sergio Osmeña.”*
At the age of 17, Fr. Picardal was imprisoned and tortured for seven months. He was branded as a communist by the government’s anti-people forces and was wrongfully detained solely due to the fact that he distributed anti-marcos leaflets to help educate people on how martial law was affecting marginalized communities. By the time of his release, he was required to sign a document stating that he was not tortured and was treated “well”. His case is just one example of how Red-tagging can affect an individual.Fr. Amando Picardal, Clergy, Seminarian
*"Makahinumdom ko ato noh nga ilawm sa Marcos ganihit baya ang pagkaon. [...] Makita nako mismo gani [sa] akong ginikanan gani labi na akong mama nga kana bitawng kabuhion siya sa bugas nga among gikaon, among gipaniudto, panihapon gipamahaw yellow corn man or katong NGA nga bugas."*
Lolo Jeps grew up during the Martial Law era and suffered the aftermath of the late dictator’s governance that resulted in extreme poverty. During those times the rice they could buy were yellow corn rice which is known for pigs and chickens to eat and NGA (now NFA) rice that was not of good quality and even smelled bad. He had to give up his education and started working at a young age just to help feed his family alongside his parents. Realizing how anti-labor the policies signed by Marcos were, Lolo Jeps joined alliances that advocate for workers’ rights.Jaime Paglinawan, Fisherfolk, Civilian
*“...unya, grabe to sila ug torture. Lahi nuon mi, lahi ilang pamaagi sa mga [inaudible] madakpan ba. Exclusive siya sa mga common crimes lahi ang iyang area. [...] naay uban namong kauban didto gyud nanganak sa detention kay mabdos naman siya nadakpan. Unya ang uban ilang mga anak wala may choice sila kanang naapil ug ka detain.”*
Samson Calumba, Student, Activist
📄 Articles
*“Poverty, injustice, human rights violations, absence of genuine peace — these were the very reasons why he linked arms with the wretched of the earth. In so doing, he earned the ire of the powers-that-be and was made to disappear” - Catholic Theological Society of the Philippines*
Priest Romano was an anti-dictatorship leader who fought tirelessly against the Marcos’ regime until he was abducted by armed men—suspected to be military men—in the year 1985.Fr. Rudy Romano, Seminarian
*"During the Martial Law years, she rose to national prominence. The sweet, soft-spoken Inday Nita turned fiery as she joined the crusade against the Marcos dictatorship. She became a fierce and fearless fighter against the excesses of the Martial Law regime." - The Freeman*
Nenita “Inday Nita” Cortes Daluz, Woman, Activist
*"I spent three Christmases in jail. This is the part of my life story that even my own children don't want to hear" - Holganza, then 23 years old, and his father, Ribomapil “Dodong” Holganza Sr., were arrested for rebellion and detained inside a military stockade.*
Dodong and Joeyboy Holganza, Activist
We're working on this!
Please check back on September 21 for the completed page.