Imee: Rody, Marcos martial law different

MANILA, Philippines -  The martial law declared by the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos in 1972 and that of President Duterte for Mindanao recently could not be compared as these are decades apart and based on different Constitutions, Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos said yesterday.

“The basis of my father’s martial law was the 1971 Constitution … while President Duterte invoked the 1987 Constitution,” Imee told journalists during the weekly Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum in Malate.

She said Duterte was right when he said he could not be compared to Marcos because they are separated by time and Constitution.

Both administrations, Imee said, upheld the rule of law and respect for human rights. 

She said her father strictly observed the guidelines set by the “American-type martial law.”

 “Duterte also complied with the requirement of the 1987 Constitution when he declared and extended the martial law in Mindanao until Dec. 31,” she said.

 The late strongman, Imee said, could have declared a revolutionary government as suggested by his adviser, but opted to declare martial law in compliance with the 1971 Constitution.

 She said her father did not declare a revolutionary government, as he feared he might lose control of the military, which might abuse its power in the performance of duty.

 In the same forum, Imee announced they would celebrate the 100th birth anniversary of her father with a simple ceremony. 

She said the family is compiling all the speeches, state of the nation addresses and writings of the former president so they can present to a new generation their story on martial law.

Imee expressed hope the presentation would enlighten the people on her father’s vision for the country.

She said the youth learned the different versions of martial law only from their grandparents and social and mainstream media.