In 1972, the Philippines was officially declared to be under martial law by its then president, Ferdinand Marcos. The establishment of this new law turned their democratic political system into a totalitarian system, functioning similarly to the system used by “The Party” in George Orwell’s novel, 1984. Both governments’ propagandic efforts had allowed them to remain in power through the use of physical force, psychological manipulation of aphorisms, and media restraints.
Marcos had issued Proclamation 1081 to prevent a social breakdown and collapse of the economy, as well as gain control over the media (“Marcos Administration”). He instituted martial law and “justified [it] as a necessary corrective to the lawlessness permeating the nation” (Espiritu). Though the Party never justified their actions or doctrines, they still had complete control over their people. In both situations, the government had complete authority over their people as a result of their propaganda efforts. They both constantly surveilled everything to watch for any signs of disloyalty. Curfews were so heavily enforced in the Philippines that anyone caught loitering would be thrown into prison, similar to how a midnight stroll was deemed “suspicious” and even a simple facial twitch could lead to an arrest in 1984. When the Philippine nation demanded a Kalayaan, a nation with economic equality that was free from foreign domination, from their president, he punished the rebels and even put some of them to death (“The Philippines Under Ferdinand Marcos Regime”). Though the members of the Party never asked for economic equality, those who rebelled against their teachings were detained and severely disciplined. For instance, Winston Smith, the protagonist of 1984, was caught for having rebellious thoughts, which were considered a crime as they disobeyed the Party’s doctrines. Thus he was captured and put into Room 101 where he was forced to endure pain until he submitted to the beliefs of the Party. Both governments abused the power they were given. The people looked towards them
In history, we commemorate glorious days and eras that make us proud of our nation and its people. However, almost every nation in the world also remember its “days of infamy” mainly to remind us never to let those dark days happen again.
The Marcos martial law period was one of the darkest times in Philippine history. It has been said that only the Japanese occupation during the Second World War inflicted more suffering for the Filipino people. One would think that those responsible for the tragedy of the martial law would dedicate themselves to making amends as their penance and asking forgiveness for their sins. Instead we see a concerted effort to revise history – to deny the tortures and human rights violations that happened. There is even an almost comical attempt to repaint that period of our history as some kind of golden age.
I never thought that after 34 years, those who were responsible for so much suffering would be seeking to go back in power. Unbelievably, they are seeking to return to power espousing the same Marcosian ideology. The past 34 years represent an entire generation who never experienced martial law. There is a need to educate this new generation on what really happened.
History 