Reaction Paper

For Batas Militar

(SS2 Phil. Govt and Constitution)

Submitted By:
Jessan J. Obeso
English II

Submitted to:
Mr. Harold Plaza
 In Marcos regime, it was said to be the darkest period of Philippine history. Many young
people became activist, asking for changes in the government. They became completely
rebellious by their bloody demonstrations and rallies Since the Philippines was chaotic that time,
this led Marcos to the declaration of martial low on September 21, 1972.
Marcos did great and horrible things. He hungered for power that he used his money to
take control of the people. Many lives were taken, innocent were jailed and this action of his
werent totally justifiable. He strengthened his power by the help of military to protect him from
his enemies and political rivalries. Many concerned citizens became mute. They wanted to shout
out the evil motives of Marcos but if they do they might be killed by the military. And this made
Marcos to be the worst president in the Philippines. However, some also argued that Marcos was
the smartest president by for because of the great things he did. If we try to look on the brighter
side, he was able to make our country better by making the Philippines to be the second richest
country in Asia, he also built building for business as well as with the school buildings and he
was able to lessen the rate of crime in our country.
Some youth in our generation are not well informed to what was the Batas Militar all
about. The documentary film gives us the opportunity to see the real happenings during Marcos
regime. The maker of this film perhaps wanted us to know the both sides of Batas Militar, the
brighter and darker side. The message throughout the 30-minute documentary film is that we
should not be greedy for power and power should not be abused.
After watching the documentary film, I didnt judge Marcos right away. No one of all
elected presidents was able to make our country on top but only Marcos. He was the smartest,
best and worst president by far. I just dont look on the negative sides of Marcos but also with
the positive sides. He built his dreams for the country however, the problem was he abused the
power that every Filipino granted to him. He didnt want to end his term so he did everything
even it is already at logger heads of the law and in the eyes of God. On the other side, people got
tired and sick of Marcos way of puppeting people. The bravest thing happened on the country
was after Ninoy Aquinos assassination whos death are still questionable. People gathered on
EDSA to break the dictators cruelties. The EDSA revolution reminded me that patriotism is still
over-flowing on our veins for we indebted this to our forefathers. To bring back our countrys
liberty, Filipinos fought whole-heartedly through blood, seat and even on pen.
Therefore, to have great power is to serve your God and your people. With great power
we can make things possible for the good of our country.