The Reactions of the Imposition of Martial Law

• Amendment


  Alterations to the law
• Decree


  Written order or law that usually comes from the leader of a country
• Dictatorship


  A type of government led by one person only
• Nepotism


  Unjust practice of appointing relatives or friends to positions of power by a leader
• Presidential government


  A democratic government led by a president
• Ratification


  Official approval of changes in the law
• Subversion


  Act of opposing or overthrowing a government
• Life changed when President Marcos placed the Philippines under Martial Law
• The Filipinos responded negatively to the new system of government because many of the citizens' rights were curtailed
• Fear reigned in the hearts of the people, and with this sprouted anger and hatred toward Marcos
• Many Filipinos opposed Marcos when he declared Martial Law
• Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. rejected Martial Law because he believed that Marcos only wanted to prolong his term as the most powerful leader in the land
• Marcos allegedly ordered the arrest and killing of his political enemies, as well as radio and television personalities who expressed disapproval or condemnation of him
• Marcos had all newspapers, radio and television companies shut down
• The government took over the running of services and utility companies that the public needed
• Majority of the Filipinos kept their mouths shut out of fear of the government
• The economy seemed to have progressed during the first three years of martial law
• The standard of living improved not just in urban areas but also in rural areas
• The crime rate went down
• Roads, bridges, and irrigation systems were built quickly
• Many buildings and establishments were also built
• The country experienced miraculous economic progress as a result of how Marcos ran the country
• The improvements were only temporary and were in fact not indicators of genuine progress
• A large percentage of the population continued living in poverty
• The national wealth was not evenly distributed to all
• Marcos and his family and their cronies lived lavishly
• The rice supply in the Philippines became sufficient, and the country was even able to export rice during the first years of Martial Law
• The agriculture sector as well as other economic industries flourished
• The subversion or movement of communism was controlled, though not fully prevented
• Infrastructure projects, like building super highways, bridges and feeder roads in fields or on farms, were undertaken all over the country
• The Philippines was able to forge relationships with more countries whatever their type of government was, whether democratic or communist
• Filipino culture was given attention and valued
• Public schools, hospitals and health centers were built
• The urban poor were given housing
• Nepotism spread in the country
• Corruption in the government rose
• Newspapers, radio and television stations were shut down, the press were repressed
• Stoppage of the operations of public facilities and important industries
• Human rights were suppressed
• Political prisoners and anyone who was accused of opposing the government were tortured and killed