Blog no. 6: Martial Law

I am confused whether former Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos' intention of proclaiming Martial Law to the whole country was good or bad from the very start. I have read that he imposed this to create a "new society", one that would eradicate negative Filipino attitudes to improve the country as a whole. The proclamation of martial law has had some good effects to the Philippine economy, but then I don't believe this can compensate for all the lives lost from torture by the military, by Marcos' command. I can see that the Marcoses were using this to their advantage. From what I've read, I learned that for one, the Philippine Airlines became a private commuter line for Imelda Marcos and her friends on shopping excursions outside the country. Also, the most prominent businesses were brought under the control of Marcos' cronies. These people lived the life of luxury while the farming families suffered from malnutrition, when they received less than what they deserved. Marcos' officers in the Armed Forces could exploit the economy and bring honor to themselves, as Marcos and the military establishment had a mutually-benefitting relationship under martial law.