Question & AnswerQ&A (GENERAL ORDER NO. 1)
General Order No. 1 declared that during the state of martial law under Proclamation No. 1081, the President of the Philippines, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, would assume full control over the government and exercise extraordinary powers to restore stability and security in the country.
President Marcos assumed greater control over the government by virtue of the powers vested in him by the Philippine Constitution as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The declaration of martial law was justified due to wanton destruction of lives and property, widespread lawlessness, anarchy, chaos, disorder, and an actual war against the government by groups conspiring to seize political power by force and violence.
He claimed the powers to govern the nation, direct the operation of the entire government including all agencies and instrumentalities, exercise all powers and prerogatives incident to his position as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces to suppress lawlessness, subversive, seditious, rebellious, and insurrectionary activities.
The scope included all branches, agencies, and instrumentalities of the government, with the President having broad latitude and discretion to act for national stability and security during martial law.
To restore and maintain the stability of the nation, safeguard the integrity and security of the Philippines, ensure tranquility among inhabitants, suppress lawlessness, and counter subversive or rebellious activities statewide.
General Order No. 1 was signed by Alejandro Melchor, Executive Secretary, by the President.
Key legal concepts include assumption of emergency powers under martial law, Commander-in-Chief authority, suppression of rebellion and subversion, government control, national security, and emergency governance measures.
It describes the country as being in a state of wanton destruction of lives and property, widespread lawlessness, anarchy, chaos, disorder, and engaged in an actual war waged by groups conspiring to seize political power by force.