Presidency
91-487: Roberto Salas Benedicto (April 17, 1917 – May 15, 2000) was a Filipino lawyer, ambassador, diplomat, and banker historically most remembered as a crony of President Ferdinand Marcos . Benedicto owned Philippine Exchange Company, the Philippines Daily Express , Radio Philippines Network (RPN), Banahaw Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC). Benedicto
182-583: A cable television company and a national newspaper called the Daily Express . Before martial law, he had transformed a small radio station DZBI that he owned in 1960 into the Kanlaon Broadcasting System (KBS) (now Radio Philippines Network ). In 1972, news and media outlets were forced to cease operations, and their facilities were taken over by the military. However, Benedicto was allowed to continue his broadcasts, to serve as
273-688: A 200,000 hectare logging and paper-pulp concession that was partially responsible for massive deforestation in the Philippines during martial law. Indigenous peoples in the Cordillera region —supported by environmentalists, church organizations, academics, and the Free Legal Assistance Group —organized a protest movement that helped shut down Cellophil after the fall of the Marcos dictatorship in 1986. The Supreme Court of
364-484: A closer inspection at his history will reveal deep connections and cronyism to President Ferdinand Marcos , who was able to launch Tan's immense wealth through sky-high tariff rates on imported cigarettes, under-the-table tax breaks, and government exemptions, all of which allowed Lucio Tan to have a "virtual monopoly for over 40 years in the Philippine Market". Fortune Tobacco Corp , founded in 1966 (FTC),
455-474: A colossal rate of 18,758%. This, coupled with the fact that, according to Manapat, during the Martial Law years Lucio Tan regularly evaded taxes, as much as $ 50 million per year. In addition to this, Fortune Tobacco Corp lawyers were the brains behind the tax laws concerning cigarettes that allowed Tan to completely dominate the cigarette industry. Lucio Tan's virtual monopoly on cigarettes afforded him all
546-938: A front for the Marcoses in purchasing international properties. With former First Lady Imelda Marcos , he purchased three condominium apartments in Olympic Tower in New York City . He purchased two expensive units at the St. James Towers in Manhattan. He purchased a $ 1.35 million mansion in Makiki Heights in Hawaii. The mansion, known as the Helen Knudsen estate, sits directly across the Tantoco house where
637-588: A large rally attended by 50,000 people at Plaza Miranda denounced Oplan Sagittarius and was held by the Movement of Concerned Citizens for Civil Liberties (MCCCL) , headed by Sen. Jose W. Diokno , who left the Nacionalista Party , the political party of Marcos to rally against the controversial decisions of the administration. This was the largest rally out of a series of protests from the previous year, due to many scandals by Pres. Marcos beginning with
728-654: A million US dollars. Overseas, he owned a sugar mill in Venezuela , a trading company in Madrid, bank deposits, mansions, and limousines in California . Marcos's executive secretary estimated that in 1983, Benedicto's net worth was $ 800 million. Benedicto, born in La Carlota, Negros Occidental on April 17, 1917, was a contemporary of Ferdinand Marcos, becoming his classmate and fraternity brother while studying at
819-402: A retrospective article on Marcos' proclamation of Martial Law, comments on the differences in the accounts: "Whether they conflict or not, all accounts indicate that Marcos’ obsession with numerology (particularly the number seven) necessitated that Proclamation No. 1081 be officially signed on a date that was divisible by seven. Thus, September 21, 1972 became the official date that Martial Law
910-494: A sudden collapse. This is due to great amounts of foreign loans, dependence on the government, purchases of heavy equipment even when unnecessary, and high debt to equity ratio. In 1978, CDCP accumulated a staggering $ 158 million debt, which steadily rose to $ 650 million by 1980. Manuel Elizalde was a minister who was also put in charge of protecting ethnic minorities. He was chief of steel companies that were favored through funding and regulations that ensured lucrative markets. He
1001-472: A sugar mill in Venezuela , a trading company in Madrid, bank deposits, mansions, and limousines in California . Marcos' executive secretary estimated that in 1983, Benedicto's net worth was $ 800 million. Lucio Tan styles himself as a rags-to-riches self-made millionaire who worked his way up from sweeping and mopping floors to becoming one of the most influential people in Philippine history. However,
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#17327903789141092-473: A whiplash effect of confusion as to the date of Marcos's television announcement, which was two days later on September 23. Martial law was ratified by 90.77% of the voters during the controversial 1973 Philippine Martial Law referendum . After the constitution was approved by 95% of the voters in the Philippine constitutional plebiscite , the 1935 Constitution was replaced with a new one that changed
1183-465: Is the epicenter of Lucio Tan's fortune. While it is unclear how much of the market FTC cornered in 1980, estimates range from 60% to 77%. This outright dominance of the cigarette trade in just 14 short years can be attributed to the massive tariffs on imported cigarettes that Tan enjoyed. The nominal rate of protection for cigarettes was at 182% while the Effective Rate of Protection (ERP) was at
1274-885: The Batasang Pambansa . In an effort to isolate the local communist movement, President Marcos went to China in 1975 to normalize diplomatic relations. In return for recognizing the People's Republic of China as the legitimate government of China, and that Taiwan is part of Chinese territory, Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai pledged to stop supporting the Philippine communist rebels. The government subsequently captured NPA leaders Bernabe Buscayno in 1976 and Jose Maria Sison in 1977. The Washington Post , in an interview with former Philippine Communist Party officials, revealed that, "they (local communist party officials) wound up languishing in China for 10 years as unwilling 'guests' of
1365-494: The Central Bank through increased dollar import quota allocation for the importation of Toyota vehicles for Delta Motor and air-conditioning and refrigerating equipments and obtaining a multi-million peso emergency loans as additional capital infusion to Filipinas Bank, a banking institution owned by Silverio. Herminio Disini was married to Imelda's first cousin, Dr. Paciencia Escolin, who served as her personal physician. He
1456-547: The Chinese communist victory in 1949, and saw the People's Republic of China as a security threat due to its financial and military support of communist rebels in the country. Citing an intensifying communist insurgency , a series of bombings, and the staged fake assassination attempt on then- Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile , President Marcos enacted the proclamation which enabled him to rule by military power . It
1547-630: The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). GSIS was originally established for financial aid of low-salaried government employees, providing investments, pensions, and housing loans. In 1980, under Cruz's administration, house loans were phased out. Instead, the GSIS funded Marcos-connected companies and Imelda-inspired projects. Of GSIS' total budget of $ 1.3 billion, 65% or $ 843 million went into Imelda's lucrative projects, such as luxury hotels made to impress delegates of
1638-469: The Jabidah Massacre in 1968 and the 1969 elections, considered by experts to be the "dirtiest election in (Philippine) history." Proclamation No. 1081 was formally dated September 21 according to historians because of these events as well as Marcos's superstition and numerological belief concerning multiples of the lucky number seven. The Official Gazette of the republic of the Philippines, in
1729-583: The Marcoses to seize control of the major industries of the country. Enrile served the Marcos Administration under many positions. He was Commissioner of Customs in 1965, and rose to become Defense Minister in 1970. He resigned a year later to run unsuccessfully for the Senate, but was quickly reinstated in 1972. The Marcos administration also fabricated an ambush of Enrile's car, claiming it
1820-624: The Philippine National Bank , which was the largest state-owned bank at the time. He permitted huge loans for business of other cronies and associates. He used PNB to grant loans for his shipping company, Northern Lines, and his sugar business. His election as Japanese Ambassador allowed him to develop high-level contacts in Japan. Working with President Marcos, they ratified the Treaty of Amity, Commerce and Navigation between Japan and
1911-536: The Philippine Sugar Commission , which accounted for 27% of the Philippines' dollar earnings at the time. In turn, a big segment of the profits from this sugar monopoly was deposited in a "special fund" which was "subject to the disposition of the president for public purposes." Martial law also gave Benedicto a media and telecommunications monopoly in the Philippines. His media empire that consisted of three television stations, 15 radio stations,
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#17327903789142002-563: The Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) – continued using the term after the ouster of Marcos in 1986. These "cronies" were awarded government commissions, projects, and funds, many of which were later investigated for corruption, misuse of funds, and disregard of the Constitution of the Philippines . Marcos' cronies were given strategic positions both in the government and in private sectors in order for
2093-616: The University of the Philippines College of Law . Benedicto was Marcos's classmate at the UP Law School , and his Upsilon Sigma Phi fraternity brother. When Marcos became president, Benedicto became part of his inner circle, one of the few with full access even to the private quarters inside Malacañang Palace . Marcos would eventually give power-of-attorney to Benedicto, allowing him to deal with corporations on
2184-467: The catchphrase " Marcos cronies ", benefited from their friendship with Marcos – whether in terms of legal assistance, political favors, or facilitation of business monopolies, during his administration. Marcos critics, and the local and international press began referring to these individuals as "cronies" during the latter days of the Marcos dictatorship , and the Philippine government – especially
2275-622: The $ 550 million Japanese war reparations money. At the prime of his career, Benedicto's empire consisted of 85 corporations, 106 sugar farms, 14 haciendas, other agricultural lands, 17 radio stations, 16 television stations, 2 telecommunications networks, 7 buildings, 10 vessels and 5 aircraft. He also owned 14 hectares of real estate in Bacolod City, 13.5 billion shares in Oriental Petroleum, and membership shares in golf and country clubs estimated at $ 491,000. Overseas, he owned
2366-561: The (Chinese) government, feuding bitterly among themselves and with the party leadership in the Philippines". President Marcos formally lifted Martial Law on January 17, 1981, several weeks before the first pastoral visit of Pope John Paul II to the Philippines for the beatification of Lorenzo Ruiz . After the termination of Martial Law, the CPP-NPA was able to return to urban areas and form relationships with legal opposition organizations, and began increasingly successful attacks against
2457-466: The 1940s, when he found it favorable to cultivate relationships with running politicians. He contributed to Marcos' 1965 and 1969 presidential campaign funds, and it was in his Davao estate where Marcos launched his 1969 presidential campaign in southern Philippines. Under the Marcos administration, Floirendo's company Tagum Agricultural Development Company, Inc. (TADECO) leased 6,000 hectares of prime, fertile, government land and employed prison labor from
2548-556: The American authorities confiscated papers that they brought with them. The confiscated documents revealed that since the 1970s, Marcos and his associates received commissions of 10 to 15 percent of Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund loans from about fifty Japanese contractors. These revelations became very controversial and became known in Japan as the Marukosu giwaku ( マルコス疑惑 ) ( transl. Marcos scandal ). The lessons from
2639-801: The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines . General Order № 2 – The President directed the Minister of National Defense to arrest or cause the arrest and take into his custody the individuals named in the attached list and to hold them until otherwise so ordered by the President or by his duly designated representative, as well as to arrest or cause the arrest and take into his custody and to hold them otherwise ordered released by him or by his duly authorized representative such persons who may have committed crimes described in
2730-688: The Comment with Omnibus Motion are noted and partially granted. The award of temperate damages is reduced to P100,000,000. All other aspects of the assailed Decision stand. No further pleadings or motions shall be entertained in this case. Let the entry of judgment be issued immediately", it ruled. Trinidad Diaz Enriquez hails from the province of Leyte , and as such cultivated her relationship with Imelda. The family had humble beginnings with their D&E Restaurant in Quezon City . Winning favor from Imelda and receiving favorable treatment and loans from
2821-538: The Defense Secretary portfolio for himself in an effort to curry the loyalty of the armed forces hierarchy, the preparation for the actual document which became Proclamation 1081 began in December 1969, in the wake of Marcos' expensive 1969 presidential reelection bid . Marcos approached at least two different factions within his cabinet to study how the implementation of martial law should be structured in
Roberto Benedicto - Misplaced Pages Continue
2912-617: The IMF-World Bank conference. Cruz allocated GSIS funds to support Imelda's hotel building plans locally and overseas. There was an allocation of US$ 202 million to build Kanlaon Towers, Philippine Village Hotel, Philippine Plaza , and Manila Hotel . Cruz also worked with Imelda's brother, Amb. Benjamin Romualdez and organized the Phil-China Friendship Hotels Corp. using GSIS funds in 1980, where
3003-1034: The Judiciary should continue to function in accordance with its present organization and personnel, and should try to decide in accordance with existing laws all criminal and civil cases, except certain cases enumerated in the Order. General Order № 4 – The President ordered that a curfew be maintained and enforced throughout the Philippines from twelve o’clock midnight until four o’clock in the morning. General Order № 5 – All rallies, demonstrations and other forms of group actions including strikes and picketing in vital industries such as in companies engaged in manufacture or processing as well as in production or processing of essential commodities or products for exports, and in companies engaged in banking of any kind, as well as in hospitals and in schools and colleges are prohibited. General Order № 6 – No person shall keep, possess or carry outside of his residence any firearm unless such person
3094-626: The Makiki Heights Drive property. He admitted transferring amounts of $ 600,000, $ 2 million, and $ 4 million to George Hamilton, an American actor involved in the Marcos' business ties and federal fraud and racketeering cases. They were supposedly loans from Imelda Marcos, who he alleges to have ordered him these transfers. He also admitted that the Marcos-tied corporations of Ancor, Calno, Kuodo and Camelton belonged to him. Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco Jr. kept close, familial ties with
3185-569: The Marcos administration as official justifications, and some of which were dissenting perspectives put forward by either the mainstream political opposition or by analysts studying the political economy of the decision. In his 1987 treatise, " Dictatorship & Martial Law: Philippine Authoritarianism in 1972 ", University of the Philippines Public Administration Professor Alex Brillantes Jr. identifies three reasons expressed by
3276-433: The Marcos administration, saying that martial law: The first two justifications were explicitly stated in the proclamation, which cited two explicit justifications: "to save the republic" (from various plots); and "to reform society" (after the failure of American-style democracy). The third rationalization arose from the administration's propaganda, which portrayed Ferdinand Marcos as a hypermasculine figure able to compel
3367-836: The Marcos scandal were among the reasons why Japan created its 1992 ODA Charter. The most-notable expansion in Benedicto's business holdings during the Marcos dictatorship was in his establishment of a monopoly in the Philippines' sugar industry beginning in 1974, which earned him the moniker of "Sugar King". Marcos's proclamation of martial law allowed Benedicto to take control of the Philippine Exchange Company (Philex), which monopolized local hacienderos' (sugar barons) international trade. Benedicto used Philex to buy cheap sugar from local producers and sell it abroad for large profits. Aided by Marcos's presidential decrees under martial law, Benedicto later seized control of
3458-420: The Marcoses amass their wealth by aiding in one or more of what Salonga called " Marcos' Techniques of Plunder. " These techniques, says Salonga, were: Proclamation No. 1081 Proclamation No. 1081 was the document which contained formal proclamation of martial law in the Philippines by President Ferdinand Marcos , as announced to the public on September 23, 1972. The proclamation marked
3549-625: The Marcoses lived in exile. He purchased the $ 4.5 million Lindenmere estate in Long Island New York, and a $ 2.5 million Beverly Hills property. Floirendo escaped the Philippines a day before Ferdinand Marcos was exiled to Hawaii. In 1987, Floirendo turned over PHP 70 million in cash to the Presidential Commission on Good Government , as well as titles for the Lindenmere Estate, the Olympic Towers apartments, and
3640-599: The Marcoses' behalf. It was with Benedicto's help that Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos opened their first Swiss Bank accounts in 1968, funneling money which the Swiss Federal Court would later determine to be "of criminal origin". This was the infamous "Saunders Account" with Credit Suisse , which Ferdinand Marcos signed under the false name of "William Saunders" and which Imelda Marcos signed as "Jane Ryan". Benedicto's business interests grew significantly when Ferdinand Marcos became president. Marcos appointed him as
3731-448: The Marcoses, Silverio and businessman Pedro Carlos Jr. for failure to prove allegations against the respondents. The points that were mentioned in the case includes the alleged improper payments of hundreds of thousands of dollars by the two businessmen to the Marcoses in exchange for a contract to supply Kawasaki scrap loaders and Toyota rear dump trucks, grant of three consecutive year special accommodations, privileges, and exemptions from
Roberto Benedicto - Misplaced Pages Continue
3822-535: The Marcoses. Aside from business and political dealings, Cojuanco and Marcos are godfathers to each other's children — Cojuangco to Marcos' junior, nicknamed Bongbong , and Marcos to Cojuangco's son which he named ' Marcos '. Cojuangco, with Juan Ponce Enrile, were involved with the Coco Levy Fund Scam , which taxed small farmers with the promise of shares in the coconut investment company (Cocofund). However, farmers benefitted nothing from this levy, as
3913-558: The Order. General Order № 3 – The President ordered that all executive departments, bureaus, offices, agencies and instrumentalities of the National Government, government owned or controlled corporations, as well all governments of all the provinces , cities , municipalities and barrios should continue to function under their present officers and employees, until otherwise ordered by the President or by his duly designated representatives. The President further ordered that
4004-725: The Philippines (CDCP) which built many of the country's dams, highways, and bridges, including the San Juanico Bridge , which was a major project that connected Leyte and Samar. CDCP also built many lucrative projects at the behest of the first lady Imelda Marcos, such as a land-reclamation project to create a 240-hectare while beach, a huge complex of native-style pavilions, all to impress foreign delegates of international events and conferences. Government probes have found documents that suggested Marcos received millions of dollars in kickbacks in government construction projects from Cuenca's company. CDCP experienced remarkable growth and
4095-712: The Philippines First Division in the August 29, 2023 12-page resolution reduced from P1 billion to P100 million the temperate damages that Herminio T. Disini estate must pay for brokering the 1974 deal behind the now mothballed $ 2.3-billion Bataan Nuclear Power Plant . “Wherefore, this Court resolves to deny with finality the Republic of the Philippines' Oct. 28, 2021 Motion for Reconsideration. Petitioner Herminio T. Disini's Comment (Re: Motion for Reconsideration) with Omnibus Motion as well as his Supplement to
4186-454: The Philippines at that time, Puerto Azul, at the mouth of Manila Bay in Ternate , Cavite . The said resort expropriated more than 3,000 hectares of land from residents who have been living at the site for generations. According to Jovito Salonga in his book "Presidential Plunder", which details Salonga's time as head of the Presidential Commission on Good Government , the cronies helped
4277-461: The Philippines' Ambassador to Japan and put him in charge of the Philippine National Bank (PNB), the Philippines' largest state-owned bank. In his role as PNB Chairman, Benedicto permitted huge loans for business of other cronies and associates. He used PNB to grant loans for his shipping company, Northern Lines, and his sugar business. His role as PNB Chair enabled him to gain control of additional banks, and overcome business competitors by dictating
4368-570: The Philippines, which gave Japan a "most-favored nation" status. This agreement gave Japan undue advantage in using the country's natural resources, which was the primary reason the Philippine Senate did not ratify the treaty for 13 years. Benedicto, understanding the business interests of the Japanese, arranged lucrative joint-venture operations between Japanese corporations and his own. His role as Ambassador also gave him control of
4459-451: The Philippines. Several conflicting accounts exist regarding the exact date on which Marcos signed the physical Proclamation No. 1081 document. Differing accounts suggest that Marcos signed the document as early as September 10, 1972, or as late as September 25, 1972, regardless Marcos formally listed September 21 as the day of the formalization of Proclamation No. 1081. As early as September 13, 1972, Sen. Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino broke
4550-487: The President upon the declaration of Martial Law. According to Enrile's 2012 memoir, Marcos emphasized that " the study must be done discreetly and confidentially. " With help from Efren Plana and Minerva Gonzaga Reyes, Enrile submitted the only copy of his confidential report to Marcos in January 1970. A week after Enrile submitted his study, Marcos asked him to prepare the needed documents for implementing Martial Law in
4641-638: The advantages in the world, to the detriment of the consumers and buyers and therefore, made the cigarette industry a supplier-driven industry. Velasco was the first chief of the Philippine Ministry of Energy, which was established by Marcos in 1979. The Ministry of Energy sought to remedy the skyrocketing oil and power rates brought by the 1973 global oil crisis, by building power plants from natural energy sources. During his appointment, 20 power plants using hydroelectric, thermal, geothermal energy were completed. A major controversy in his career were
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#17327903789144732-515: The airline had already lost $ 63 million. In order to offset the losses, Cruz asked Malacañan for help. The government increased PAL's capitalization from $ 127 million to $ 380 million, and $ 63 million from the National Development Corp. was given to PAL. Despite these additions of government money, PAL continued to suffer loses due to Cruz's mismanagement and lack of experience. Cruz also served as president and general manager of
4823-529: The announcement. On the following Morning, September 24, the headline of the Daily Express announced "FM Declares Martial Law" – the only newspaper to come out in the immediate aftermath of Martial Law. Marcos would declare September 21, 1972, as "National Thanksgiving Day", to erase the events of the MCCCL rally led by Sen. Diokno and the senate hearings presided by Sen. Aquino, which inadvertently created
4914-500: The assets he controlled was $ 1.5 billion, or 25% of the GNP. Cojuangco then used the windfalls from the coconut levy fund and United Coconut Planters Bank to finance his purchase of the enormously profitable San Miguel Corporation . The Marcos government gave favors to San Miguel Corporation (SMC) . For example, when taxes for liquor and cigarettes were raised in January 1986, excise taxes on beer nevertheless decreased, beer being one of
5005-403: The backing of the Marcos government and the wealth from the levy fund, Cojuangco was able to completely vertically integrate the coconut trade industry by controlling the financing through UCPB and by buying out Unicom, which was the entity in charge of manufacturing and trading of coconut and coconut by-products. Cojuangco's wealth increased rapidly, and by the peak of martial law, the value of all
5096-593: The country during the 1970s and 1980s. Delta Motor was one of the carmakers that received preferential status and treatment under the government's Progressive Car Manufacturing Program. He owned two basketball clubs that played in Philippine Basketball Association , Toyota (1975-1983) and Filmanbank (1978-1979). In 2021, the Sandiganbayan would dismiss the complaint filed by the Presidential Commission on Good Government against
5187-524: The country's natural resources, which was the primary reason the Philippine Senate did not ratify the treaty for 13 years. His ambassadorship also gave him insider knowledge regarding the business interests of the Japanese, which allowed him to arrange lucrative joint-venture operations between Japanese corporations and his own. When the Marcoses were exiled to the United States in February 1986,
5278-598: The deal for the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant . The PCGG would later order Disini to return US$ 50.6 million in commissions he earned from the deal. Marcos allegedly received US$ 80 million in kickbacks from the project. The Office of the Solicitor General would also file that Marcos return PHP22.2 billion to the government for his conspiracy with Disini to defraud the government. In 1973, Marcos awarded Disini's Cellophil Resources Corporation
5369-425: The divisiveness it would cause, Martial Law would offer Marcos absolute power which would corrupt absolutely. " Marcos, who kept up a strategy of keeping cabinet members from becoming too powerful by giving different factions different facts and redundant orders, also gave a similar task to Justice Secretary Juan Ponce Enrile that December. This time, he specifically asked what powers the 1935 Constitution would grant
5460-519: The end the Philippines would become a political archipelago, with debilitating, factionalized politics. " In Almonte, who would eventually become head of the head of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency under President Corazon Aquino and later National Security Advisor to her successor, President Fidel Ramos , recalled in a 2015 memoir that he felt " the nation would be destroyed because, apart from
5551-484: The former owner Benigno Toda was forced out through a Presidential Order in 1977. This was a result of Toda falling out with the Marcoses as the former charged Imelda $ 6 million for her overseas junkets. Throughout his chairmanship, the airline was poorly managed and steadily lost money. This was due to First Lady Imelda Marcos' indiscriminate international trips, Cruz's mismanagement, misuse of funds, and his lack of experience. In 1979, PAL lost $ 33 million, and by 1983,
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#17327903789145642-637: The government throughout the country. Regardless, experts concluded that the dictatorship was still in effect despite the formal announcement, until the Philippine Church led by Jaime Sin and the Filipino Citizens' organized EDSA Revolution of 1986 forced the Marcoses out of Malacañang Palace. General Order № 1 - The President proclaimed that he shall direct the entire government, including all its agencies and instrumentalities, and exercise all powers of his office including his role as
5733-402: The government, the family was able to put up Sulo Hotel, Philippine Village Hotel , and Silahis International Hotel . Enriquez's catering business expanded due to the contracts received from Imelda. Enriquez was also able to gain contracts with Philippine Airlines through Roman Cruz. Trinidad's son-in-law Rebecco Panlilio would later lead the construction of the largest tourism investment in
5824-429: The government-imposed levies and taxes on the retail price of gasoline. The gross price of regular gasoline per liter was Php 2.20. After taxes it totaled to Php5.05, making taxes more than 50% of the retail cost. During the government's corruption probe during the Marcos regime, it was found that Velasco's net worth was estimated to be around $ 50 million by 1986. He had several million-dollar real estate properties around
5915-419: The interpretation that Marcos declared martial law: In addition, some critics ascribe an economic component to Marcos' motivations, suggesting that martial law: Philippine Military Academy instructor Lt. Victor Corpuz led New People's Army rebels in a raid on the PMA armory, capturing rifles, machine guns, grenade launchers, a bazooka and thousands of rounds of ammunition in 1970. In 1972, China, which
6006-407: The main products of SMC. The tax cut gave SMC $ 40 million worth of savings that year. Roberto Benedicto was Marcos' former classmate and fraternity brother at the UP Law School . When Marcos was president, Benedicto became part of his small circle in Malacañan , one of the few with full access even to private quarters. Under the Marcos administration, he served as Ambassador to Japan and Chief of
6097-444: The middle-men did not return receipts that proved they paid the coconut levy and were entitled to equity in the company. Due to the sudden surge of the price of coconuts in the world market, this fund became extremely profitable, amounting to as much as $ 785 million total profits. These funds were channeled to the private financial interests of Marcos and cronies and was consolidated in the United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB). With
6188-619: The morning of September 23, 1972, Martial Law forces had successfully implemented a media lockdown, with only outlets associated with Marcos crony Roberto Benedicto allowed to operate. In the afternoon, the Benedicto-owned television channel KBS-9 went back on air playing episodes of Hanna-Barbera 's Wacky Races cartoon series, which was interrupted at 3:00 PM when Press Secretary Francisco Tatad went on air to read Proclamation No. 1081, through which Marcos declared Martial Law. Ferdinand Marcos himself made an appearance at his mansion, Malacañang Palace , at 7:15 p.m. that evening to formalize
6279-494: The neighboring prisons. This project was formerly halted during the Macapagal Administration. It violated the 1935 Constitution of the Philippines and Philippine corporate law, which permitted only up to 1,024 land acquisition. Sen. Lorendo Tañada chaired a Blue Ribbon Committee investigation into the matter, which caused Floirendo to retreat the plan to wait for a more favorable political climate. His plan finally came into fruition after Marcos' second term. Floirendo also served as
6370-422: The news of a secret plan called "Oplan Sagittarius", which would declare martial law and was as widely condemned by Filipinos as the ongoing Watergate scandal in the United States. He would later have a speech on September 21, 1972, in front of the Senate to recount the true role of the Congress. The congress would decide to have a sine die adjournment, or a final session on September 23, 1972. Later that afternoon,
6461-471: The next five years, and allowed Banahaw to commission a local company to assemble the television sets, justifying that these sets would be distributed to "critical areas" at lower prices. The LOI then instructed government agencies to market the TV sets. The ministries of Public Information, National Defense, Education and Culture were instructed to use the sets for their public information and educational projects. In 1982, Marcos issued LOI 640-A, to extend
6552-503: The obedience of supposedly "spoiled" Filipinos. Opposition to Marcos' declaration of martial law ran the whole gamut of Philippine society - ranging from impoverished peasants whom the administration tried to chase out of their homes; to the Philippines' political old-guard, whom Marcos had tried to displace from power; to academics and economists who disagreed with the specifics of Marcos' martial law policies. All of these, regardless of their social position or policy beliefs, subscribed to
6643-685: The onset of a 14-year period of authoritarian rule, which would include eight years of Martial Law ( de jure ending on January 17, 1981, through Proclamation No. 2045), but not de facto : followed by six more years where Marcos retained essentially all of his powers as dictator. Marcos was eventually ousted on February 25, 1986, as a result of the EDSA People Power Revolution . Numerous explanations have been put forward as reasons for Marcos to declare martial law in September 1972, some of which were presented by
6734-423: The paper to ensure that it held the views of the regime. KBS was the only full-color TV channel in the country at the time and it was later taken over by Imee Marcos . Benedicto expanded his media business by acquiring Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC) which had five television stations, and nine radio stations. His growing media empire received government favors from the Marcos administration, with
6825-540: The plan was to build two 500-room hotels in Guangzhou and Beijing . Controversially, Cruz also was accused of using PAL and GSIS funds to acquire real estate in California. Cuenca was a college dropout who campaigned and raised funds for Marcos during the 1965 presidential elections and later became Marcos' close friend and golf partner. He later became the head of Construction and Development Corporation of
6916-426: The president granting several Letters of Instruction (LOIs) for Benedicto's benefit. In 1977, Marcos issued LOI 640 to allow Banahaw Broadcasting Corporation , one of Benedicto's companies, to import $ 3 million worth of TV transmission equipment and facilities, without paying taxes or tariffs. The LOI also allowed tax-free importation of $ 15 million worth of 12-inch black-and-white television sets for
7007-499: The probe, Velasco claimed that he earned his wealth before his appointment under the Marcos administration. However, probers discovered that his net worth was $ 5.4 million before he joined the government and it ballooned to $ 50 million, an 825% increase in only 13 years. Cruz served as Undersecretary of Finance from 1968 to 1970, but he is more well known for his bankrolling Imelda Marcos' trips abroad using Philippine Airlines (PAL) funds, which he also managed. Cruz took over PAL after
7098-423: The proclamation. Some time in December 1969, Marcos asked Executive Secretary Alejandro Melchor and Melchor's aide-de-camp at the time, Major Jose Almonte, to study the different ways Martial Law had been implemented throughout the world, and the repercussions that might come from declaring it in the Philippines. The study submitted by Melchor and Almonte said that "while Martial Law may accelerate development, in
7189-430: The scope and duration of the earlier order. The new instruction directed government ministries to distribute Benedicto's television sets in the countryside areas "on matters pertaining to peace and order". Due to the tax breaks, Benedicto was able to sell 12-inch black-and-white television sets cheaper than the competitors who had to pay taxes. The Consumer Electronic Products Manufacturers Association (CEPMA) complained that
7280-487: The system of government from a presidential to a parliamentary one, with Marcos remaining in power as both head of state (with the title "President") and head of government (titled " Prime Minister "). Under the new government, President Marcos formed his political coalition—the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL; English : New Society Movement)—to control the unicameral legislature he created, known as
7371-871: The television sets meant for rural areas were being sold in Manila, greatly affecting their market. Benedicto entered into a compromise agreement with the Presidential Commission on Good Government in 1990, surrendering about US$ 16 million worth of Swiss bank deposits, shares in 32 corporations including "100% of the California Overseas Bank shares", cash dividends in his firms, and 51 percent of his agricultural land holdings. Benedicto died on May 15, 2000, in Bacolod City, Philippines. Cronies of Ferdinand Marcos Family Unexplained wealth Legacy Related [REDACTED] Certain associates of former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos , historically referred to using
7462-530: The terms of loans. Benedicto's appointment as Japanese ambassador allowed him to develop high-level contacts in Japan. He secured more than US$ 550 M in World War ;II reparations, which he allegedly used to promote his private interests. Working with President Marcos, they ratified the Treaty of Amity, Commerce and Navigation between Japan and the Philippines, which gave Japan most-favored nation status. This agreement gave Japan an advantage in using
7553-419: The voice of the Marcos dictatorship. His newspaper, Philippines Daily Express , was the first to put out an edition after martial law was announced, three days later on September 25. This monopoly secured Benedicto's political ties with Marcos and generated income as the owner of the sole running television and radio stations. Benedicto assigned Enrique Romualdez, a relative of the first lady, as chief editor of
7644-460: The world, such as a $ 1.5 million mansion, a $ 675,000 condominium both in California, several houses around Metro-Manila, and a reported resort house on the Bataan peninsula only reachable by helicopter or boat. Apart from these properties, Velasco also chaired several government and private corporations, in many petroleum, coal mining, transportation, mineral exploration, and shipping businesses. During
7735-645: Was also given permission to borrow rifle stocks from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, which he sold back to the Philippine Constabulary for a profit. Elizalde left the Philippines in 1983, reportedly with millions of dollars in funds raised for the protection of the Tasadays . Ricardo Silverio Sr. owned more than 50 corporations including Air Manila and Delta Motor Corporation , the assembler and distributor of Toyota automobiles in
7826-424: Was also known to be one of the golfing buddies of Ferdinand. In 1970, Disini established Philippine Tobacco Filters Corporation (PTFC). While the investment was minimal, Disini's big break came when Marcos issued Presidential Decree 750 on July 21, 1975, where it increased the tariff on raw materials imported by the competitor by a 100%. This forced the competitor out of business. Disini became infamous for brokering
7917-544: Was established and the day that the Marcos dictatorship began. This also allowed Marcos to control history on his own terms. " Reports from the Roberto Benedicto-owned Daily Express of Sen. Aquino declaring that he must be arrested by the president or he would escape to join the resistance surfaced on September 22, 1972. The staged assassination of Defense Minister Enrile and other men were held later that evening at 8:00 p.m. Finally by
8008-619: Was later revealed that on September 22, 1972, at 8:00 p.m., exactly a day after Marcos signed Proclamation No. 1081, Enrile exited his car beside an electrical post near Wack-Wack village, on the way to Enrile's exclusive subdivision of Dasmariñas Village . Another car stopped beside it and gunmen exited the vehicle and immediately fired bullets at Enrile's car. This was the basis for Marcos's September 23 televised announcement of martial law at 7:15 p.m. While some historians believe Marcos' logistical and political preparations for proclaiming Martial Law began as early as 1965, when he took up
8099-557: Was perpetrated by militants. This staged act served as justification for the declaration of martial law. Enrile later revealed in a 1985 interview that the attack on his car had been faked. For the majority of the martial law period, Enrile was in charge of all the armed forces, which were responsible for many human rights abuses and summary executions . Enrile was also involved with many cases of corruption, namely: Banana magnate Floirendo began his business career in Davao City in
8190-497: Was the Philippines' ambassador to Japan from 1972 to 1978. At the prime of his career, Benedicto's business empire consisted of 85 corporations, 106 sugar farms, 14 haciendas, other agricultural lands, 17 radio stations, 16 television stations, 2 telecommunications networks, 7 buildings, 10 vessels and 5 aircraft. He also owned 14 hectares of real estate in Bacolod City, 13.5 billion shares in Oriental Petroleum, and membership shares in golf and country clubs estimated at almost half
8281-642: Was then actively supporting and arming communist insurgencies in Asia as part of Mao Zedong 's People's War Doctrine , smuggled 1,200 M-14 and AK-47 rifles aboard the MV Karagatan for the NPA to speed up NPA's campaign to defeat the government. Prior to 1975, the Philippine government maintained a close relationship with the Kuomintang -ruled Chinese government which fled to Taiwan (Republic of China), despite
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