In line with the EDSA People Power Revolution anniversary tomorrow, February 25, we shall take a moment to look back on the situation of the Philippine press during Martial Law! Marcos was well - aware of the power of the media in the society so he made sure to have full control over it.
1) On September 28, 1972, just a week after signing Proclamation No. 1081 and subjecting Philippines under martial rule, he released Letter of Instruction No. 1 which ordered the "takeover and control" of all newspapers, magazines, and radio and television facilities. Among these were the Manila Daily Bulletin, ABS-CBN network, Channel 5, the Manila Times, Philippine Free Press, Philippine Graphic, and the Daily Mirror. Marcos claimed that it was to prevent these privately- owned media communications in setting propaganda against the government.
But it does not end there! 2) Several publishers and journalists were also arrested and imprisoned. Among them are Teodoro Locsin, Sr., publisher of the Philippines Free Press, Chino Roces, Manila Times publisher, Amando Doronila, Luis Beltran, Maximo Soliven, Juan Mercado, and Luis Mauricio. They were brought up in a room and came face-to-face with by then Philippine Constabulary chief, Fidel V Ramos who told them the words, "Nothing personal, gentlemen. I was ordered to neutralize you. Please cooperate. We’ll try to make things easier for you."
3) There was also a media blackout when the tragedy of Manila Film Center happened, afraid that it might cause a scandal. The rush timetable had caused the scaffolding on the fourth floor to collapse and workers were trapped and half-buried in the quick-drying cement. Due to the media blackout, there is no real record of the accident. What was supposed to be the reason for the Philippines getting hailed as "Cannes in Asia" had become the largest tomb in the Philippines.
Amidst the news outlets being isolated and removed, were they totally wiped out? The answer to that is a huge no! Several resisted, and you will know all about it on our next post! #EDSA34 #DefendPressFreedom
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