On Legality and Dictatorship: The Philippine Case.

This paper aims to explore the questions of legality and dictatorship as demonstrated in the Philippine case under the regime of Ferdinand Marcos. Focusing on the events of 1972 to 1973, this paper specifically questions the legal basis of the martial law as implemented by Marcos and how the presidential emergency power was further utilized to establish a regime that was contrary to the principles that a democratic constitution aims to purport. I examine the basis for the proclamation of martial law and the legal maneuverings employed by Marcos to usurp power and how this power was also used to establish and implement a new constitution under his dictatorship. I also examine the legality of this constitution which was drafted and promulgated under martial law. Overall, this paper looks at how legality can pave the path for a dictatorship in a constitutional democracy using the Philippine case. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]