A brief history of states of emergency in the Philippines

MALACAÑANG is weighing the possibility of declaring a state of emergency following the aborted plot to unseat Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo early this morning. Should Arroyo, who is anticipated to appear on national television anytime soon, go ahead with such a declaration, it will be the second time that she will be exercising such extraordinary presidential powers at her disposal.

It will be recalled that on May 1, 2001, Arroyo, through General Order No.1, declared a state of rebellion and directed the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) to suppress and quell the rebellion by thousands of supporters of deposed Pres. Joseph Estrada who stormed Malacañang after the former chief executive’s arrest for plunder charges.

Below is a brief history of states of emergency declared in the country since 1905 courtesy of the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG):

1. January 31, 1905 — Executive Order No.6, issued by U.S. Governor General Luke E. Wright, suspending the writ of habeas corpus for Cavite and Batangas
2. September 30, 1939 — Commonwealth acts Nos. 494, 496, 498, 499 and 500, granting President Manuel L. Quezon emergency powers
3. August 21, 1940 — Commonwealth Act No. 600, granting President Manuel L. Quezon broader emergency powers
4. June 6, 1941 — Commonwealth Act No. 620, granting President Manuel L. Quezon more emergency powers
5. December 16, 1941 — Commonwealth Act No. 671 (Emergency Powers Act)
6. January 1942 — Declaration of martial law upon the invasion of Japanese forces
7. September 23, 1944 — Proclamation 29 by President Jose P. Laurel, declaring martial law, and suspending the writ of habeas corpus
8. October 22, 1950 — Proclamation 210 by President Elpidio Quirino suspending the writ of habeas corpus
9. August 21,1971 — Proclamation 889 by President Ferdinand E. Marcos, suspending the writ of habeas corpus
10. September 21, 1972 — Proclamation 1081 by President Ferdinand E. Marcos, declaring martial law
11. August 28, 1987 — de facto state of emergency
12. December 6, 1989 — Proclamation 503 by President Corazon C. Aquino, declaring a state of national emergency throughout the Philippines
13. December 20, 1989 —Republic Act No. 6826, declaring a national emergency
14. May 1, 2001 — Proclamation 38 by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, declaring a state of rebellion in the National Capital Region; followed by General Order No. 1, directing the Armed Forces of the Philippines to suppress the rebellion in the National Capital Region