The Memorable Marcos Regime - Martial Law

In September 1972 Marcos declared martial law, claiming that it was the last defense against the rising disorder caused by increasingly violent student demonstrations. One of his first actions was to arrest opposition politicians in Congress and the Constitutional Convention. Under martial law the regime was able to reduce violent urban crime, collect unregistered firearms, and suppress Communist insurgency in some areas. At the same time, a series of important new concessions were given to foreign investors, including a prohibition on strikes by organized labour, and a land-reform program was launched. In January 1973 Marcos proclaimed the ratification of a new constitution based on the parliamentary system, with himself as both president and prime minister. He did not, however, convene the interim legislature that was called for in the constitution.