ON SEPTEMBER 21, 1972, former President Ferdinand Marcos signed Proclamation No. 1081, which placed the whole Philippines under martial law. The proclamation was announced to the public on September 23, 1972.
The event ushered in the one-man rule of Marcos in the country, which can be described as one of the darker portions of the history of the country in modern times.
On September 22, 1972, Marcos issued General Order No. 1, which states that he shall govern the nation and direct the operation of the entire Government, including all its agencies and instrumentalities.
Also on the same day, he issued General Order No. 5, all rallies, demonstrations and other forms of group actions by persons in the country were strictly prohibited and any person violating this order were arrested and taken into custody.
Marcos' Martial Law is something that we Filipinos should never forget. From 1972 to 1981, the country was ruled by a dictator. His rule was hounded with corruption and brutality. A lid was also placed on the freedom of expression.
This part of our history serves as a reminder how we should not let the people who govern our land or those who work within the government, regardless of their colors, abuse their powers or influence over us.
Up until today, there are still people in the government who use their powers for their personal interests. There are those who try to keep the mouth shut of people who try to report them. Others intimidate people who have filed complaints against them.
Somehow, regardless of administration, a pocket of Marcos-era martial law is still present within the walls of the government. This results to corruption and affects the public negatively.
However, just like how the Filipino stood up against the tyranny of Marcos' rule, we should also stand up against the government officials and politicians who abuse their power.