Benedict Bajala BSActy-2

Dictatorship: The Filipino Style

(A reaction paper for the documentary film Martial Law)

A New Society, that's what former President Marcos visions for the Philippines in his proclamation of Martial Law last September 21, 1973. A country full of progress, with the populace enjoying everything that the development brings, abundant life, peaceful society, harmonious relationship between people and good governance. Maybe it's evident with eyes blinded, but far from sight if one try to look at the big picture. Ferdinand Edralin Marcos, an unforgettable persona of Philippine history. He was a brilliant law student topping the Bar Exam in his times, and successfully argued before the Philippine Supreme Court for a reversal of a murder conviction against him, being himself a sharp shooter, held responsible for the killing of his father's rival who won the gubernatorial race in their province. He quickly gain popularity in the political world, until he won the Presidential election in 1965. He showed favorable performance in his first term, gaining acceptance and trust from the public which then helped in his winning for his second term in Presidency, the first over history. His thirst for power had been more evident as speculations spread of his plans for staying in office. The Martial Law is then proclaimed, putting the whole country in his absolute power and under the military rule. A new constitution has been formed, yet lacks from provisions of social justice and human rights, still pursued for his selfish desires. Marcos wants no oppositions. Persons who are against him are arrested, put to jail and in worst cases, persecuted. The media is also controlled as to show only favorable news about the government. A new form of economy was also formed, the 'crony capitalism'. Major businesses over the country was controlled by some few elites, which includes relatives and some close friends of the first family. At first the country is showing a good picture of the sudden change of system, with a stable economy and business confidence, but later revealed it's dark side, as corruption has been very rampant and human rights are continually and evidently being violated. It slowed down economy, worsened social status and overwhelmingly increased international debts. The existence of anti-communist groups also a placed a threat for the administration. The once active support of the American government also vanished as they realized that Marcos is not working towards democracy. Some prominent personalities stood out during the period. One of it is Gen. Fabian Ver, a very loyal follower of the dictator. He assumed the highest position in the military and displayed power over it. Another is Imelda Romualdez, the first lady. A very strong and powerful woman and at the same time possess a beauty that cannot be compared. She is a very materialistic woman popular for her collections of expensive shoes, bags, perfumes and other luxurious items. Through her, Marcos gained more popularity. And the hero of the story, Sen. Benigno Aquino who, in spite of threats and maltreatments against him, stood firm in his beliefs and remained to be Marcos' number one arch nemesis. His death when he came back to the Philippines, triggered the public to take a step in fighting for their rights and the freedom this country deserves. This then lead to the People Power 1, EDSA Revolution, a fight between roses and rosaries with guns and riffles. Marcos' had been threatened by this event and had no choice but to surrender and flee to Hawaii, which at that time he's sick and is dying. The proclamation of Sen. Ninoy's widow, Corazon Aquino, as the first woman president of the country paved way for the restoration of the country's democracy.

Martial Law, a very pretentious form of government, showing only knitted good points and ignoring the true scenario, full of lies, deceptions, selfish desires and abuse of powers. The society is deprived from the truth and continually fed by lies. People are treated like animals, their human rights abused. Innocent ones are suffering but the devilish ones enjoy benefits. Inequality is truly rampant. The world is shown by what they can perceive as good, visits of the Pope and American presidents are properly prepared to show off only desirable things. Marcos, a persona closely comparable to Hitler and Stalin, is one whom I thought would only be existing in fairy tales as villains. A very selfish man, one who tries to satisfy all his wants, compromising his pledge to God that he is ordained to serve the people. He has abused his power and authority History spells of what is in the present. I can closely relate the things that our country now is suffering because of that one proclamation. Poverty. Philippines before is one of the fast developing countries in the whole world. The progress then halted as the economy is not properly managed during the times of dictatorship, to the extent that it reached the bottom level. Now, the country can barely cope of what it missed, the chance that could've made us to be one of the world's richest countries. Another problem is corruption. Maybe it had existed before the Martial Law, however it is strongly manifested in those times. Until now, the problem has worsened. In recent times, we had encountered some persons with the same agendas. Former president Gloria Arroyo, made issues of her staying in power through the Charter Change, which changes our form of government to Parliamentary, one of the excuses of Marcos. Fortunately, she has ended her term without pursuing this move. Unfortunately, to say, she is still politically active as she is now a member of the Lower House. Through the documentary, I have fully realized the merciless oppression of the dictator. I have known some of the countless stories to be told by prominent characters and also ordinary individuals of their experiences during one of the dark ages in the Philippine history. I have seen the struggle of the country to regain democracy. Filipinos has fought for it since the past. From the Spaniards, to the Japanese then to the Americans. We had won them all. The Martial Law is never an exception. The people once again showed their love for freedom, both in peaceful and active rebellions. We had shown our unity as we stand for our rights. We will always be fighting of whatever forces that might hinder us from our goal, to live progressively in a democratic nation.