Press freedom during and after Martial Law

The battle for press freedom has always been a challenge for journalists in the Philippines. Throughout history, journalists have sought to be the voice of the people, expose the wrongdoings of government and serve as watchdog against injustice. But journalists are also victims of relentless attacks in pursuit of preventing them from informing the public of the truth. One of the major struggles of journalists in the Philippines was during Martial Law.

On the evening of Sept. 23, 1972, President Ferdinand Marcos appeared on national television to formally announce the declaration of Martial Law.