Marcos’ proclamation was part of a rising tide of global authoritarianism. The response of the ruling elite was to turn to dictatorial forms of rule. The demonstrations and strikes in the Philippines paralleled similar events throughout the world. What distinguished Marcos’ imposition of military rule from the attempts of his predecessors was the global crisis of capitalism in the late 1960s and early 1970s, that produced conditions of mass upheaval and revolutionary situations internationally. A number of prior presidents had threatened to impose military rule-ending elections, closing the legislature, and suspending the writ of habeas corpus. The framework for military dictatorship in the Philippines had been erected by the United States, which enshrined the presidential power of martial law in the Constitution of its former colony, prior to granting independence. The ruling elite discussed it in the legislature, and major daily papers published statements advocating or denouncing it. Protests denouncing the threat of martial law had repeatedly shaken Manila over the previous two years. Although the date of its imposition was unexpected, everyone in Philippine politics had been openly discussing its likelihood since the beginning of 1970. He used his military dictatorship to remain in power until 1986, when a mass movement ousted him and a section of the military and Washington withdrew their support for his rule. Using its dictatorial powers, Marcos oversaw a brutal crackdown on the working masses of the Philippines. On September 23, 1972, forty-eight years ago today, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos issued Proclamation 1081, imposing martial law on the country.
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