In 1971, Marcos called for a Constitutional Convention for the purpose of revising the 1935 Constitution. The Convention was composed of 321 elected delegates headed by former Presidents Carlos P. Garcia and Diosdado Macapagal. However, the Convention's image was tarnished by scandals which included the bribing of some delegates to "vote" against a proposal to prohibit Marcos from staying in power under a new constitution.
Marcos' second term was marked by increasing civil strife known as the "First Quarter Storm". After a series of bombings in Manila claimed to have been carried out by the New People's Army of the Communist Party of the Philippines, Marcos warned of imminent Communist takeover. On September 21, 1972, by virtue of Proclamation No. 1081, he declared martial law over the entire country, thereby extending his term indefinitely. By 1973, he had assumed dictatorial control—ushering in a so-called constitutional authoritarianism.
And here's Ninez Cacho Olivares latest article, noting similarities between the Marcos situation then, and Arroyo's situation today:
And so, she will, as she is doing now, blame “poison politics” and the “bad Philippines” to enforce her repressive moves, which she knows will be blunted by Congress — at least the Senate part.
She can of course do a Marcos, that is, declare martial law, padlock Congress, oust all the local executives and replace them with military officers and usher in a “new society” after which a new Charter, composed of her handpicked delegates, most of whom have been named, will have been drafted and ratified viva voce — and she continues to reign until kingdom come — or so she thinks.
There is a bit of a difference however. In 1972, Marcos had a united military. Today Gloria has a fractured military whose junior officers no longer hold any respect for her as their Commander-in-Chief.
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