THE ROLE OF CHURCH IN THE

PHILIPPINE

Post-Martial law politics up to present time

Martial law in the Philippines refers to several intermittent periods in Philippine history wherein the
Philippine head of the state such as the president places an area under the control of the Armed Forces of
the Philippines and its predecessor bodies. Martial law is declared either when there is near-violent civil,
unrest or in cases of major natural disasters.

Typically the imposition of martial law accompanies curfews, the suspension of civil law, civil rights, habeas
corpus, and the application or extension of military law or military justice to civilians.
President Ferdinand E. Marcos signed the Proclamation No. 1081 on September 21, 1972,
placing the Philippines under Martial law.

The declaration issued under Proclamation 1081 suspended the civil rights and imposed
military authority in the country.

Marcos defended the declaration stressing the need for extra powers to quell the rising wave
of violence allegedly caused be communist.
• Marcos explained that Martial law is a strategic approach to legally defend the constitution and
protect the welfare of the Filipino people from the dangerous threats posed by Muslim rebel
groups and Christian vigilantes that places national security at risk during the time.

• Marcos explained that Martial law was not a military takeover but was then the only option to
resolve the country’s dilemma on rebellion that stages national chaos threatening the peace and
order of the country.

• The moved was initially supported by most Filipinos and was viewed by some critics aas a change
that solved the massive corruption in the country.
• But then many Filipinos took arms to dislodge the regime.

• Urban poor communities in the country’s capital were organized by the Philippine Ecumenical
Council for Community and were soon conducting a protest masses and prayer rallies.

• This efforts including the exposure of numerous human rights violations pushed Marcos to hold an
election in 1978 and 1981 in an aim to stabilize the country’s chaotic condition.

• Marcos in both event won the election, however his extended term as President of the Republic of
the Philippines elicited an extensive opposition against his regime.

• When former Senator Benigno Aquino was murdered, the incident sent thousands of Filipinos to the
streets calling for Marcos’ removal from post.

• Marcos held a snap election in 1986 but what he hoped will satisfy the masses only increased their
determination to end his rule that seated Corazon Aquino, widow of Benigni Aquino, as President of
the Philippines ousting Marcos from Malacanang Palace and ending the twenty-one years of tyrant
rule.
• Atleast 3 separate fires broke out in the City of marawi on May 23, 2017, as the gun
battle rages between the military and the Maute Group.

• On May 30, 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte declare Martial law in Mindanao.

• Majority bloc of the Senate adopted a resolution and support President Rodrigo Duterte
from declaring Martial law in the entire Mindanao island amid the ongoing clashes
between government troops and Maute group terrorist in Marawi City.

• Martial law effected for 60 days, as stipulated in the Constitution.

• Because of the situation in Marawi and declaration of martial law, President Duterte was cutting
short his trip to Russia.

• The priority of the President is the safety, the lives and property of the people of Mindanao. So he
cannot sacrifice the lives of the people for any amount of money or any economic reason.

• There have been mixed reactions to the martial law declaration of President Duterte, some praising
the swift action and others saying it was unnecessary and could set the stage for abuse of powers.

• A year later, portions of Marawi remain devastated even as government is working on its
reconstruction. Martial law remains in place after President Duterte got Congress even Supreme
Court approval for its declaration and its repeated extension.

• After two extensions, martial law in Mindanao will last until the end of 2018.