QuestionsQuestions (GENERAL ORDER NO. 1)
The text cites the President’s constitutional power as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, stating that the President is acting by virtue of powers vested by the Constitution.
It references Proclamation No. 1081 dated September 21, 1972, and states that martial law is now in effect throughout the land.
It cites wanton destruction of lives and property, widespread lawlessness and anarchy, chaos and disorder, and a conspiracy to seize political and state power by force and violence, amounting to an actual war against the people and the legitimate government.
It declares that the President shall assume greater and more effective control over the entire government and exercise extraordinary powers to restore and maintain stability, suppress lawlessness, and ensure tranquility and security.
Ferdinand E. Marcos signed as President; Alejandro Melchor countersigned as Executive Secretary.
It states that the President shall govern the nation and direct the operation of the entire Government, including all agencies and instrumentalities.
It states the President will exercise all powers and prerogatives appurtenant and incident to his position as Commander-in-Chief of all Armed Forces.
It says the President will suppress lawlessness and all subversive, seditious, rebellious, and insurrectionary activities, using all resources and means at command, and adopt other necessary and expedient measures.
It implies broad discretionary use of government and military resources to prevent and quell threats, not limited to ordinary law enforcement mechanisms.
Yes. It says the President will restore stability “within the shortest possible time and thereafter to maintain the stability of the nation.”
The order treats the described disorder and threat (lawlessness, conspiracy to seize power by force, and war-like conditions) as an emergency that justifies extraordinary governmental action.
It mentions “subversive, seditious, rebellious and insurrectionary activities,” as well as lawlessness.
It states the President’s exercise of extraordinary powers is intended to “safeguard the integrity and security of the Philippines” and “insure the tranquility of its inhabitants.”