The Administration of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. (1965 – 1986)
President Marcos called for a new kind of governance and outlined the following objectives:
Self-sufficiency in the production of rice and the diversificationofcrops
Implementation of the land reform program
Intensification of community development programs
Presidential Arm on Community Development (PACD)
To initiate development projects at the barrio level without going through the Barrio and Municipal governments
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)
Helps in developing high-yielding and cost-reducing technologies so farmers can produce enough rice for all Filipinos
Construction and Development Corporation of the Philippines (CDCP)
Established to undertake major construction projects, particularly infrastructure development, to support the country's economic growth and development goals
The Philippines was an ally to South Vietnam during the Vietnam War providing humanitarian aid
Philippine Civic Action Group (PHILCAG) was primarily involved in rebuilding roads and providing humanitarian aid, and were occasionally involved in defensive operations
"Many Flags" Campaign encouraged democratic countries to help South Vietnam
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
To accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development
To promote regional peace and stability through abiding respect for justice and the rule of law
The Philippine election of 1969 was described by NewsWeek and Time magazines as the dirtiest, most violent, and most corrupt election, that gave rise to the term "Three Gs," for guns, goons, and gold
Martial Law
The Declaration of Martial Lawwas on September 23, 1972
President Marcos issued Proclamation 1081, putting the entire country under martial law
1935 Constitution Article VII Section 10
In case of invasion, insurrection, or rebellion or imminent danger thereof, when the public safety requires it, (the President) may suspend the privilege of the writ of Habeas Corpus or place the Philippines or any part thereof Martial Law
Suspension of Writ of Habeas Corpus
Under martial law, a person charged with rebellion or invasion may be arrested and detained without a court ordered warrant
1973 Constitution
In 1970, President Marcos made an initiative to change the 1935 Constitution and called for a constitutional convention
A new constitution was ratified on January 17, 1973
The form of government was changed from presidential to parliamentary
Presidential Government
A head of government, typically with the title of president, leads an executive branch that is separate from the legislative branch
The President is both the Chief Executive and the Head of State
Powers of the President are usually balanced (or shared) with those of the legislature
The President is elected independently by the people, not by the legislature
Parliamentary Government
The political party wins the most seats in the legislature or parliament during federal election forms the government
Head of State and Chief Executive are two separate offices. Head of State is either a President or a Monarch. Chief Executive is often called a Prime Minister
Head of State is usually a ceremonial role, while the Prime Minister runs the government
Prime Minister is not elected, but is usually chosen by the party with the most seats in the legislature, or is sometimes appointed by the President
Through radio and television, President Marcos declared that the entire Philippines was under Martial Law on September 23, 1972
Positive Effects of Martial Law
The supply of rice in the country became sufficient
The infrastructure in the country develops
The agriculture and other livelihood industries flourished
The Philippines expanded its international relations
Establishment of public schools and hospitals
Negative Effects of Martial Law
Closing of radio stations, news papers, and television stations
Halting the operation of public utilities and vital industries
Violation of human rights
Torture and killing of anyone who opposes the government
Mass Arrests
Governments under martial law often conduct mass arrests of individuals perceived as threats or dissenters, often without proper judicial process or evidence
Torture and III-Treatment
Detainees under martial law may be subjected to torture, cruel, or inhumane treatment by authorities, often to extract information or confessions
Restricted Movement and Curfews
Martial law often imposes strict restrictions on movement, including curfews and checkpoints, limiting people's freedom to travel and assemble
Forced Disappearances
Some of those abducted during martial law period disappeared and were never found, called desaparecidos
Martial law regimes may employ enforced disappearances as a tactic to intimidate opposition, where individuals are abducted by state agents and held in secret detention without any legal acknowledgement
In February 2013, Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act (Republic Act No. 10368) was passed to provide recognition and compensation to the victims of martial law period
January 17, 1981, President Marcos officially lifted martial law through Proclamation No. 2045
Problems of the Fourth Republic
Abuses committed by the police
Protest by the Philippines Constabulary
The NPA expanded its influence
Philippines' external debt
Corruption
August 21, 1983, Ninoy Aquino, Jr. was assassinated at the Manila International Airport (now Ninoy Aquino International Airport), which was later renamed in his honor
The 1986 Snap Presidential Election in the Philippines was a pivotal moment in the country's history. It was called a "snap" election because it was announced earlier than scheduled due to mounting pressure on then-President Ferdinand Marcos to address allegations of corruption and human rights abuses during his regime
President Marcos officially lifted martial law through Proclamation No. 2045
January 17, 1981
Problems of the Fourth Republic
Abuses committed by the police
Protest by the Philippines Constabulary
The NPA expanded its influence
Philippines' external debt
Corruption
Ninoy Aquino, Jr. was assassinated at the Manila International Airport (now Ninoy Aquino International Airport), which was later renamed in his honor
August 21, 1983
1986 Snap Presidential Election
It was called a "snap" election because it was announced earlier than scheduled due to mounting pressure on then-President Ferdinand Marcos to address allegations of corruption and human rights abuses during his regime
EDSA People Power Revolution
Also known as the Yellow Revolution, it became a significant event in the history of the Philippines, taking place from February 22 to 25, 1986, showing the power of the people when they come together for what they believe in, leading to democracy where people can vote their leaders freely
Corazon Aquino took her oath as the new president of the Philippines, while Marcos also took his oath on the same day
February 25, 1986
Contributions of Corazon Aquino (Mother of Democracy)
Re-organization in the government where she dismissed the leaders appointed by Marcos
Ratification of the 1987 Constitution
Release of the political prisoners who were arrested and detained by the Marcos government
Restoration of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, and Filipinos also deeply felt their rights
Restoration of the freedom of speech
Restoration of the right to vote for Filipinos
Implementation of trade liberalization and housing project
Trade Liberalization under Corazon Aquino
Tariff Reduction - reduced tariffs and non-tariff barriers to trade, making it easier for foreign goods to enter the Philippine market
Deregulation - Aquino also implemented deregulation policies aimed at reducing government intervention in the economy and promoting competition
Foreign Investment - In addition to liberalizing trade, Aquino sought to attract foreign investment to stimulate economic growth
Housing Projects under Corazon Aquino
Community-Based Housing - This approach aimed to empower residents and foster a sense of ownership and responsibility
Public-Private Partnerships: To expedite housing projects and leverage resources. This involved collaborations with developers and financial institutions to fund and build housing units
Land Reform: Land redistribution aimed to provide land to landless farmers and address rural poverty, which was often linked to inadequate housing
Strengthening the Free Public Secondary Education Act of 1988
Presidential Commission on Good Government
Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program
Contributions of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Free education
Out-of-school youth and livelihood program
Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization act of 1997