Martial Law Film Review

Martial Law in the Philippines
(documentary films)
I. Introduction and Brief Synopsis of the Films

This documentary films talks about the Martial Law in the Philippines and what
happened during Ferdinand Marcos presidency. It features human rights violations,
discrimination, the status of our economy, relationship from other countries and
biographies of Ferdinand Marcos, his wife, Imelda Marcos and his prominent critic
Benigno Aquino Jr. I watched and researched on Ferdinand Marcos. Ferdinand
Marcos becoming President was a harsh experience for the Philippines because he
did not responsibly handle his presidential duties. He instead bankrupted the
Philippines, declared Martial Law under Proclamation 1081, and suspended Filipino
civil rights. This negatively affected the Philippines. His abuse of power led to the
People Power Revolution, which forced him to give up his presidency. Martial law in
the Philippines is imposition of direct military control of normal civil functions or
suspension of civil law by a government and this history change the life of the
Filipino people. In September 1972 Marcos declared martial law, claiming that it was
the last defense against the rising disorder caused by increasingly violent student
demonstrations, the alleged threats of communist insurgency by the new
Communist Party of the Philippines, and the Muslim separatist movement of
the Moro National Liberation Front. Martial law results rebellion that continued to
claim thousands of military and civilian casualties. Under martial law the regime was
able to reduce violent urban crime, collect unregistered firearms, and suppress
communist insurgency in some areas. Also troubling to the regime, reports of
widespread corruption began to surface with increasing frequency.
II. Analysis, Reflection and Relevance of the Film to the Current Situation
Analysis
In a documentary films, it shows the plans of Ferdinand Marcos for the Philippines
and how he wanted to stay as a president of the country since there is only 2 terms
given for the president to run again but then, Marcos did something to change the
system. Which he had a plan A where he can still be a prime minister and stay on
his thrown and his plan B which is to declare martial law. In 1970, the people
started to oppose in the government which causes riot and chaos. The Filipino
manifest and proclaim their thoughts and feelings about the issues. Wherein there is
a recession and the people are controlled by the military and the US restrained our
economy. Martial law results rebellion that continued to claim thousands of military
and civilian casualties. Also troubling to the regime, reports of widespread corruption
began to surface with increasing frequency and the widening gap between poor and
rich. Instead of reform and peace, the response of the government to its people is
war and violence and because of this, many people died, suffer and sacrifice. The
violence continued and the worst opposition that happened during that time called
the First Quarter Storm where activist attack at President‘s palace and the group of
military came out to confront the activists. The political and economy crisis in the
country inflame. August 21, 1971 in Plaza Miranda. Time of election and campaign
for senators and the liberal party was there Unfortunately happened and many
people are wound because of the bombing. Many believed, that the explosion
happened are all planned by Marcos. After the bombing happened, Ferdinand
Marcos suspended the writ of habeas corpus where anyone could be arrested
without being brought in court but because of the massive opposition Ferdinand
Marcos restore writ habeas corpus but Marcos plan it all as a preparation to Martial
law. On the following years, the explosion of bombings continued in different public
places to threat the people.
Imelda and Ferdinand; Exile in Hawaii Documentary
In this documentary, Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos were ousted from power in the
Philippines and landed in Hawaii. They live luxurious, Imelda and Ferdinand
Marcos’s authoritarian regime allowed them to do whatever they wanted, their
embezzled fortunes allowed them to buy whatever they want. The couple, especially
Imelda Marcos, was famous for lavish spending habits and a luxurious lifestyle that
they proudly flaunted. However, they were criticized because of their vulgar lifestyle
and being thriftless. During Marcos presidency many people especially those who
benefited the martial law appreciate and praise him for what he did for the country’s
improvement for the most part of Ilocos. Many infrastructures were built, and
business opportunities. However, there are still averse the presidency of Ferdinand
Marcos. They believed that, in his time of presidency, there is no equalities and
violence in human rights that causes agony, riot and misunderstandings between its
nation and the government itself.
Opinions on Marcos and Martial Law, and the events depicted in the
documentaries.
Mrs. Rogelia Bataclit (71 years old)
“In my own perspective, I would highlight the fact that Marcos is one of the
presidents who’s very prominent and ruthless leader of the Philippines. In his time
many Filipinos suffered and tormented under his law but after all, he made so many
changes in the Philippines, especially when it comes to the economy, business,
power and infrastructures we are also renowned by different countries and he
redeveloped and changed the system and have strong relationship with the leaders
of America that leads to advancement of the country and tough training for military.”
(as a respect for family’s request, I did not upload the pictures because of their
personal reasons)
Mrs. Elionor Llaban (66 Years old)
“I was also one who experienced the martial law that happened years ago, I was
just little kid but it was unforgettable experience for me and for my family. it was
much, much worse back then. It was a much scarier, more violent time, when even
the mildest criticism of government, of Marcos, of Imelda, could land you in jail or
even get you killed.”
Reflection and Relevance of the Film to the Current Situation

I was just reading and researching about the biography and presidency of Marcos, and
I just realized that today, most of us don’t like the current president. We are making
fun of the guy, calling him all sorts of names, criticized him in social media and editing
some pictures. If we will just go back to the time of Marcos’ we would have been in
prison now. One thing that is good for now is that we can voice out our thoughts
especially in rally and opposing President’s decision. Now, we have the freedom to
speak about them. To complain and protest. We are demanding for the things that
should be better for our country. Most people, especially the victims of President
Ferdinand Marcos, would remember only the evil things about Martial Law. But, if
historians would be fair about it, there were also some positive things about it. The bad
things, of course, include the warrantless arrests, the indefinite detention without
charges, and the alleged torture, rape and other detestable abuses supposedly
committed by military officials and personnel who went out of bounds. What I liked
most and probably my observation about Martial Law was the discipline of both the rich
and the poor. Curfew was imposed. The young ones did not roam around at nights like
what they are doing today. The core of the curriculum was work. Pupils and students
were trained to work and not to behave as spoiled brats like many are today. The
young and the old were ordered to plant trees, and the government employees were
required to render rural service in order to help the green revolution. People were
asked to clean their surroundings, to be mindful of the community sanitation. No one
was allowed to urinate or defecate anywhere. The people were made to respect the
environment.
III. Conclusion and some Recommendations
I believed that Martial law that happened years ago gives us a very important lesson to
each and everyone of us. For me, it’s important that we understand and know what
happened during those times its because it will help us not to do it again and create a
better plan for the future generations. However, Ferdinand Marcos implemented
beneficial policies for his country. He helped the people who were in need of medical
treatment by constructing infrastructures like the Children's Medical Center. He also
built buildings that attracts tourists like the Coconut Palace. As time passed, the power
got to his head, thus losing focus and letting the Philippines down. When Marcos'
second term was coming to an end, he wanted Imelda (his wife) to run. When he
realized she would not win, he declared Martial Law to keep his power. From that
event, he abused the Philippines by taking away the people's rights and powers.
Martial Law also took away his people's freedom of speech and petition, which led to
the People Power Revolution that forced him to give up his presidency and leave the
Philippines. At first, the Filipino people trusted him because of his positive
responsible acts, but as time passed, he betrayed the Filipinos. My only message to
everyone is to trust your leaders but always be cautious of their actions because we do
not want to end up with the same fate as the Philippines. It is important to study this
history that happened because Ferdinand Marcos had a big impact on the Philippine
economy. I concluded, that Ferdinand Marcos was an irresponsible President even if he
did good things. The main lesson I’ve learned from my research is that greed and
power will get the best of us as leaders or even normal people. It can lead us to
become negative people and we can also lose what is precious to us. Leaders are
meant to be trusted but when their words and actions do not match, it is the
responsibility and rights of the people to hold their leaders accountable.

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Martial Law in the Philippines

I. Introduction and Brief Synopsis of the Films

Mrs. Rogelia Bataclit (71 years old)

Mrs. Elionor Llaban (66 Years old)

Reflection and Relevance of the Film to the Current Situation

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