Background

Article 20.

 Neither shall any Filipino be deprived:

1.  Of the right to freely express his ideas or opinions, orally or in writing, through the use of the press or other similar means.

2. Of the right of association for purposes of human life and which are not contrary to public morals; and lastly

3. Of the right to send petitions to the authorities, individually or collectively.

The right of petition shall not be exercised through any kind of armed force.

Section 4. 

No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.

Article 18.

 Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship, and observance.

Article 19.

 Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

Article XXII.

 Religious liberty, the right of association, the freedom of education, the freedom of the press, as well as freedom in the exercise of all classes of professions, arts, trades, and industries are established.

Ferdinand Marcos held power in the Philippines from 1965 to 1989, during which he enforced martial law from 1972 to 1981 via Presidential Proclamation No. 1081. This decree resulted in the closure of media outlets, arrests of journalists, and the emergence of a state-controlled newspaper, the Daily Express. Patronage was widespread, with businesses seized and given to Marcos' allies. Corruption was rampant during this period, leading to public discontent, highlighted by the assassination of Benigno Aquino Jr. in 1983. In 1986, Marcos organized a snap election, contested by Corazon Aquino, Benigno's widow. The electoral outcome was disputed, prompting the People Power Revolution, where millions rallied for Marcos' ousting and Aquino's assumption of power. Marcos fled the country, and Corazon Aquino assumed the presidency on February 25, 1986.

During Marcos's rule in the Philippines, strict control over media was enforced to quell opposition. Independent channels were closed or taken over, and those that remained were largely influenced by Marcos's allies. These outlets spread propaganda, and censorship was widespread. The Media Advisory Council, led by regime supporters, controlled narratives and information dissemination. False stories were used to justify Martial Law and crackdowns on dissent. Despite claims of no censorship, media manipulation was pervasive to retain authority.