Imelda prefers Martial Law years than today's political situation - report

MANILA, Philippines - Two days before the 36th anniversary of the declaration of martial law, former First Lady Imelda Marcos said her husband's 20-year rule is more preferable than today’s political situation. A report over radio dzBB said the wife of the late former President Ferdinand Marcos, who placed the country under martial law in Sept. 21, 1972, described the era as “the most unforgettable" saying it was the time when the world saw the Philippines’ potential. The former First Lady chided the current government, saying that politicians today do nothing but bicker instead of helping their countrymen, said the report. Marcos also noted that numerous establishments built during the period still stand today. Under Martial Law, former President Marcos prohibited street demonstrations, imposed a curfew, banned the unauthorized carrying of firearms, closed down several media organizations, and suspended the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus. Numerous known critics of the administration were detained, including the later senator Benigno “Ninoy" Aquino, Jr who was assassinated on Aug. 21, 1983 upon his return to the Philippines from exile. A non-violent “People Power Revolution" in 1986 along the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) attended by multitudes of Filipinos effectively ended Marcos’ 20-year authoritarian rule. - Johanna Camille Sisante, GMANews.TV