GUEST COLUMNIST

By Lt. Gen. Jaime S. de los Santos, AFP (Ret)

Sept. 21, 2023, marks the 51st anniversary of the declaration of martial law, a momentous event that occurred half a century ago. Over this period, our country had undergone significant political transformations under different leadership. Between 1971 and 1986, Ferdinand Marcos Sr wielded absolute authority with dictatorial powers, justifying martial law as the necessary response to prevailing threats. This paper does not aim to assess the merits or drawbacks of martial law but rather examines whether the rules of engagement at that time were adequate in neutralizing the threats.

During that era, the primary adversaries were the local communist movement, the Muslim secessionist movement, and lawless elements armed with high-powered firearms, often backed by politicians. Marcos invoked martial law under the constitutional mandate that allows the President to declare it when rebellion, insurrection, or imminent danger exists. In the face of an extraordinary crisis, decisive leadership becomes imperative. Marcos seized this opportunity, recognizing that in warfare, force can only be countered with force. Delay and vacillation could exact a high price in terms of lives and property destruction.

To his credit, former President Marcos demonstrated the courage and determination to take extreme risks during this critical period. In situations of extreme crisis, time is of the essence, and any delay can tilt the balance in favor of opposing forces. History has documented the near collapse of Malacanang Palace, the symbol of Presidential authority, during this tumultuous period.

In his book "The Prince," Machiavelli famously asserts, "Any state or organization, even the freest and most democratic, requires strong leadership, as only such leaders can restrain the destructive impulses driving human actions and compel individuals to act for the common good. It is not a matter of being loved or despised; the ends justify the means."
When martial law was lifted in 1986, the succeeding presidential administration governed with caution and compromise. Subsequent presidencies adopted varying degrees of leadership style, each advancing its own agenda with apparent sincerity. However, the consolidation and perpetuation of power became fertile ground for corruption, escalating to unprecedented levels. This situation is the culmination of past and present governance failures and misguided leadership values.

A contributor to corruption can be the inclusion of confidential and intelligence funds in nearly all government agencies and entities. What began as a modest initiative has burgeoned into an unmanageable behemoth. 

Confidential and intelligence funds were initially meant as management tools for specific concerns, akin to military intelligence preparations for the battlefield. These funds should undergo rigorous evaluation, with a highly trained case officer overseeing the process. However, recent news reports have exposed the misuse of intelligence funds, even for unrelated purposes such as feeding programs. 

The misuse of confidential and intelligence funds has redefined the principles of good governance, transparency, accountability, and command responsibility, while simultaneously eroding the value of integrity.

Presently, the primary threat does not possess weapons of mass destruction or the ability to cause physical harm or destruction. Instead, it poses a scourge that affects the core of our humanity, with far-reaching consequences across generations—a war on corruption. In this context, martial law is not a viable option.

Can the current leadership implement extraordinary measures to combat this type of warfare that knows no bounds? This battle is one that destroys the human spirit, devoid of decency and purpose, potentially leading the Philippines into a failed state. It is disheartening that corruption is seldom mentioned in the President's numerous addresses.
It is safe to assume, then, that martial law will not be repeated.

(Lt. Gen. Jaime S. de los Santos served with distinction as a military professional, 42nd Commanding Gen. Philippine Army, 1st Force Commander, UN Multi-National Peacekeeping Force in East Timor, former member, UP Board of Regents and Professorial Lecturer II (part-time), UP-Diliman.)