I. The Martial Law Era of the PhilippinesSUMMARY:

MARTIAL LAWIn 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 (CPP), and the Muslim separatist movement of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). One of his first actions was to arrest opposition politicians in Congress and the Constitutional Convention. Initial public reaction to martial law was mostly favourable except in Muslim areas of the south, where a separatist rebellion, led by the MNLF, broke out in 1973. Despite halfhearted attempts to negotiate a cease-fire, the rebellion continued to claim thousands of military and civilian casualties. Communist insurgency expanded with the creation of the National Democratic Front (NDF), an organization embracing the CPP and other communist groups. Under martial law the regime was able to reduce violent urban crime, collect unregistered firearms, and suppress communist insurgency in some areas. At the same time, a series of important new concessions were given to foreign investors, including a prohibition on strikes by organized labour, and a land-reform program was launched. In January 1973

Marcos proclaimed the ratification of a new constitution based on the parliamentary system, with himself as both president and prime minister. He did not, however, convene the interim legislature that was called for in that document.

General disillusionment with martial law and with the consolidation of political and economic control by Marcos, his family, and close associates grew during the 1970s. Despite growth in the country’s gross national product, workers’ real income dropped, few farmers benefited from land reform, and the sugar industry was in confusion. The precipitous drop in sugar prices in the early 1980s coupled with lower prices and less demand for coconuts and coconut products—traditionally the most important export commodity—added to the country’s economic woes; the government was forced to borrow large sums from the international banking community. Also troubling to the regime, reports of widespread corruption began to surface with increasing frequency.

Elections for an interim National Assembly were finally held in 1978. The opposition—of which the primary group was led by the jailed former senator Benigno S. Aquino, Jr.—produced such a bold and popular campaign that the official results, which gave Marcos’s opposition virtually no seats, were widely believed to have been illegally altered. In 1980 Aquino was allowed to go into exile in the United States, and the following year, after announcing the suspension of martial law, Marcos won a virtually uncontested election for a new six-year term.

THE DOWNFALL OF MARCOS AND RETURN OF DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENTThe assassination of Benigno Aquino as he returned to Manila in August 1983 was generally thought to have been the work of the military; it became the focal point of a renewed and more heavily supported opposition to Marcos’s rule. By late 1985 Marcos, under mounting pressure both inside and outside the Philippines, called a snap presidential election for February 1986. Corazon C. Aquino, Benigno’s widow, became the candidate of a coalition of opposition parties. Marcos was declared the official winner, but strong public outcry over the election results precipitated a revolt that by the end of the month had driven Marcos from power. Aquino then assumed the presidency.

Aquino’s great personal popularity and widespread international support were instrumental in establishing the new government. Shortly after taking office, she abolished the constitution of 1973 and began ruling by decree. A new constitution was drafted and was ratified in February 1987 in a general referendum; legislative elections in May 1987 and the convening of a new bicameral congress in July marked the return of the form of government that had been present before the imposition of martial law in 1972.

November 19, 1965Marcos elected as president

After an illustrious career as a congressman and a senator, Ferdinand Marcos wins the presidency in 1965, beating then incumbent President Diosdado Macapagal (father of ex-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo).

January 1, 1967 — January 1, 1969Infrastructure programs

In his first four years as president, Marcos focuses on building infrastructure and public works projects like the Manila North and South Expressway (now the North Luzon and South Luzon Expressway, respectively), and the San Juanico Bridge.

September 8, 1969CCP Inauguration

The Cultural Center of the Philippines, one of First Lady Imelda Marcos's projects as a self-designated "patroness of the arts," is inaugurated. The CCP becomes the official home of Philippine arts and culture.

November 11, 1969Marcos reelected for second term

Marcos is reelected as president, becoming the first Filipino president to win a second term.

January 1, 1970First Quarter Storm

Youth leaders and members of leftist groups lead a series of protests and marches against the government between January and March 1970, referred to as the "First Quarter Storm." Many believe that the violent demonstrations showing public disapproval of the administration is one of the factors that led President

Marcos to declare Martial Law in 1972.

August 21, 1971Plaza Miranda bombing

Nine die and over 90 people are injured in a grenade blast at Plaza Miranda in Quiapo, Manila during a LIberal Party political campaign rally. Among those injured are Senator Jovito Salonga,

Senator Eva Estrada-Kalaw, and Liberal Party President Gerardo Roxas. Among those conspicuously absent was Liberal Party leader Senator Ninoy Aquino.

August 23, 1971Writ of habeas corpus suspended

Two days after the Plaza Miranda bombing, President Marcos suspends the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, a legal action that requires a person under arrest to be brought into court.

November 8, 1971Nacionalista loses senatorial elections

Marcos's power base erodes as the Liberal Party takes five of eight seats in the senatorial elections.

September 13, 1972Sen. Aquino exposes 'Operation Sagittarius'

Sen. Benigno Aquino exposes in the Senate a plan called "Operation Sagittarius," which he said may be a prelude to Martial Law. In his speech, Aquino says Marcos is putting together a detailed program that would place the country under military control.

September 22, 1972Enrile ambushed

Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile's convoy is ambushed by gunmen in Wack-Wack, San Juan before 9 p.m., as his convoy was making its way to his home in Makati. Enrile later admitted that this was staged upon the President's order. Marcos reportedly told Enrile to "make it look good."

September 22, 1972Marcos signs Proclamation 1081

Marcos calls the ambush on Enrile "the last straw" and signs Proclamation 1081, which places the entire country under Martial Law.

September 23, 1972Martial Law formalized

Marcos goes on air to formally announce the proclamation of Martial Law.

September 23, 1972Marcos orders arrest of political opponents

In separate but simultaneous operations, members of the military arrest Marcos's political opponents and

members of the media, including Sen. Ninoy Aquino, Sen. Jose Diokno, and publishers Joaquin Roces and Teodoro Locsin.

January 1, 1973New constitution adopted

Marcos ratifies the 1973 Constitution through Proclamation 1102, allowing him to stay in office.

July 1, 1974Miss Universe Pageant held at the Folk Arts Theater

The country hosts the Miss Universe Pageant at the Folk Arts Theater in Manila, which, upon orders of Imelda Marcos, was built in 90 days in time for the event. It is the first time the pageant was held in Asia.

January 1, 1975Imelda Marcos named Metro Manila governor

Imelda Marcos is appointed governor of Metropolitan Manila. Among the projects she spearheaded as governor was the construction of the first Light Rail Transit (LRT).

January 1, 1976The Conjugal Dictatorship of Ferdinand and Imelda

Former Marcos aide Primitivo Mijares publishes the book "The Conjugal Dictatorship of

Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos" in the US, revealing confidential information about the First Couple. Mijares later mysteriously disappears.

September 1, 1976PICC opened

The Philippine International Convention Center opens after 23 months of construction. The 1976 IMF-World Bank Meeting is the first event hosted at the PICC.

November 8, 1979Imelda is appointed Minister of Human Settlements

Imelda is appointed Minister of Human Settlements, which gives her the power and financial backing to do large government housing projects.

March 1, 1980Ninoy leaves for the US

Sen. Aquino is allowed to travel to the United States to undergo heart surgery.

January 1, 1981Imelda orders construction of the Manila Film Center

Imelda orders construction of the Manila Film Center to host the Manila International Film Festival the following year.

January 1, 1981Lung Center of the Philippines established

The Lung Center of the Philippines in Quezon City is established under Presidential Decree No. 1823.

January 17, 1981"New Republic" inaugurated

Marcos issues a proclamation terminating the state of Martial Law and inaugurates what is called the "New

Republic." Although Martial Law was lifted, there were not many changes under the "New

Republic" and Marcos continued to hold most of the power in the country.

June 16, 1981Marcos holds elections

Marcos wins presidential elections over Alejo Santos of the Nacionalista party to legitimize his rule. The opposition party UNIDO boycotts the polls as early as April.

November 17, 1981Over 100 killed in Manila Film Center accident

More than a hundred construction workers are believed to have been killed in an accident that happened during the construction of the Manila Film Center. The "rushed" construction of the building was spearheaded by first lady Imelda Marcos, who wants the building to be finished in time for the first Manila International Film Festival scheduled in January 1982.

August 21, 1983Sen. Aquino assassinated

Sen. Aquino is assassinated shortly after arriving at the Manila International Airport. In his final interview before flying to Manila, he warns the media, "You have to be very ready with your hand camera, because this action can become very fast. In a matter of three (to) four minutes, it can

be all over, you know, and I may not be able to talk to you again after this." Many believe it was Marcos who ordered the killing of Aquino.

August 31, 1983'Longest funeral march in history'

An estimated two million people join Ninoy's funeral march from Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City to Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City, which was dubbed "the longest funeral march in history."

November 3, 1985Marcos announces snap elections

Marcos announces before an American TV audience that he is holding snap elections. "Well, I understand the opposition has been asking for an election. In answer to their request, I am ready to call a snap election," he says. "All this childish claims to popularity on both sides have to be settled."

December 15, 1985UNIDO names Cory Aquino and Salvador Laurel as presidential bets

At a rally at Liwasang Bonifacio, the United Nationalist Democratic Organization (UNIDO) officially proclaims Corazon Aquino and Salvador Laurel their candidates for president and vice president. Meanwhile, President Marcos chooses former Senator Arturo Tolentino as his running mate.

February 7, 1986Snap elections held

Snap elections are held. The elections are marred by wide-spread reports of fraud, vote-buying, ballot box-snatching and intimidation. The Commission on Elections tally shows Marcos enjoying a comfortable lead against Aquino, but the NAMFREL tally shows otherwise. The vastly different

results in the two tallies cause the public to doubt the credibility of the elections.

February 17, 1986Assemblymen protest election results

At the Batasang Pambansa, Ferdinand Marcos is proclaimed winner of the snap presidential elections. Assemblymen from the opposition, outraged by the proclamation, walk out of the proceedings.

February 22, 1986RAM coup plot

Col. Irwin Ver informs his father, AFP Chief Fabian Ver, of a coup attempt by members of the Reform the Armed Forces Movement (RAM) led by Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile. Malacañang issues orders to arrest members of RAM.

February 22, 1986Enrile and Ramos defect

In a press conference, Defense Minister Enrile and AFP Vice Chief of Staff Fidel V. Ramos announce that they resign from their posts and are withdrawing support from Marcos's government.

February 22, 1986The 'siege' of Radio Veritas

Jaime Cardinal Sin goes on air over Radio Veritas and appeals to the public to send food and moral support to the troops holed up in Camp Aguinaldo.

February 23, 1986Filipinos take to the streets

Answering the call of Jaime Cardinal Sin on Radio Veritas, thousands of Filipinos troop to the gates of Camp Aguinaldo to support the rebellion. By noon, an estimated 400,000 rebel supporters gather around Camp Aguinaldo and Camp Crame.

February 23, 1986Army reinforcements defy Marcos's orders

After receiving reports that the Metropolitan Command cannot disperse the growing crowd, President Marcos orders Major General Prospero Olivas to call for army reinforcements. Olivas defies the President's orders.

February 23, 1986Human barricade intercepts deployed tanks

A large force of marines with tanks are deployed to disperse the crowd in Camp Aguinaldo. At the corner of Ortigas Avenue and EDSA, the tanks are intercepted by hundreds of people forming a human barricade.

February 24, 1986"We'll wipe them out."

US President Ronald Reagan refuses to personally tell Marcos to step down but agrees to offer him asylum. US Ambassador to the Philippines Stephen Bosworth is instructed to tell Marcos that "his time is up." Marcos defies the US stand and announces over the radio: "We'll wipe them out. It is obvious they are committing rebellion."

February 24, 1986Marcos orders AFP Chief Ver to attack EDSA

AFP Chief Fabian Ver gives orders to attack EDSA, using tear gas, gun ships and Marine artillery. Marcos loyalist soldiers move in to take their position at the Aguinaldo golf course across Camp Crame. Meanwhile, the 15th Air Force Strike Wing defects and joins the Enrile-Ramos rebellion

February 24, 1986Marcos declares nationwide state of emergency

Radio Veritas announces that President Marcos, his family, and Ver have fled the country. To disprove this, Marcos holds a press conference, appearing with his family and his generals. He announces the lifting of his "maximum tolerance" policy and declares a nationwide state of emergency. The press conference is cut off by rebel soldiers who have taken control of Channel 4.

February 25, 1986

Cory Aquino takes oath as president

Cory Aquino takes her oath of office before Supreme Court Justice Claudio Teehankee at Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan. Aquino and Salvador Laurel are proclaimed duly elected President and Vice President of the Republic of the Philippnes.

February 25, 1986Marcos holds his own inauguration

On the same morning that Aquino is proclaimed President, Marcos holds his own inauguration in Malacañang, cheered on by some 2,500 loyalists on palace grounds. The ceremony is televised but just as Marcos is raising his hand to take his oath, the broadcast is abruptly cut; television channels 2, 9, and 13 are all disabled by rebel forces.

February 25, 1986"Cut and cut cleanly"

By early evening, US Senator Paul Laxalt advises Marcos to "cut and cut cleanly." Four American helicopters fetch the Marcos party from Malacañang by 9:00 PM. They are airlifted to Clark Air Base. After a short stopover in Guam, Marcos and his family are flown to Hawaii.

"Martial Law Timeline: The Road to Proclamation 1081 and Beyond." GMA News Online. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Jan. 2015.

"Martial Law." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 11 Jan. 2015.

"Proclamation No. 1081." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 11 Jan. 2015.

VI. Types of Museums and spaces in them, Definition of terms