Researchers may take interest in examining the materials emphasized and positioned under the Balita tabloid, owned by Marcos Crony Hanz Menzi under the Marcos Administration. Included, but not highlighted in the front page, is an article noted as “Binulgar ni Laurel – Fraud at Elections is being Prepared.” The piece expressed suspicions of fraud being prepared in line for possible Snap Elections within the year 1985 or during elections in 1986 or 87. Another article positions itself against U.S. Media portrayals of the state seemingly aligning with the opposition, titled “American media slant RP coverage”.
Balita News Tabloid. Vol. 7. No. 14. 30 April 1983.
The Balita Tabloid, once owned by Marcos Crony Hanz Menzi, continued to operate after the EDSA Revolt. Researchers will find it of interest to compare or observe the content of the tabloids before and after the ouster of Marcos. One article in this issue notes criticisms of the opposition slate created for the 1987 Legislative elections, which include future 1987 senators Juan Ponce Enrile and Joseph Estrada. Another article also appears to promotes claims of the Marcoses sourcing billions of wealth in gold – focusing on the alleged Yamashita Treasure.
Balita News Tabloid. Vol 9. No. 14. 17 March 1987.
Retrieved from the online library of the Bantayog Foundation, this copy of the Balita News Tabloid, then owned by Marcos Crony Hanz Menzi, offers perspective on the selection and positioning of media news connected with the Administration. The issue features an article titled “Canadian priest is Harassed by gov’t” referring to the harassment of the clergy in Mindanao – including Canadian Father Pat Kelly and German Nationals arrested with Karl Gaspar. Another article later in the paper also speculates on whether Former Senator Benigno Aquino would be returning in time for the 1984 Parliamentary elections.
Balita News Tabloid. Vol. 5. No. 18. 2 June 1983.
This special issue by the Philippines Free Press, entitled “Tribute to a Hero,” revisits the life and work of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, who was assassinated on the tarmac of the Manila International Airport 10 years before on his way home to the Philippines after years in exile in the United States. The magazine contains many articles that examine the legacy of Aquino and ask questions related to his murder.
“Tribute to a Hero,” Philippines Free Press, August 21, 1993.
This issue of the Balita tabloid, taken from the digital collections of the Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation, was written in the aftermath of the Assassination of Former Senator Benigno Aquino on August 1983. Researchers may find this piece of particular interest given that the tabloid at this time was owned by Marcos Crony Hanz Menzi. A unique perspective from Marcos-affiliated media allows one to observe the type of materials, events, and content highlighted by the piece immediately following Aquino’s death.
Balita News Tabloid. Vol. 11. No. 266. 23 August 1983.
The 25 August 1983 issue of the Tempo makes further note of the investigation of Benigno Aquino’s Assassination. Articles on the investigation of the killing, titled “FBI to Trace Murder Gun”, and the delivery of the slain political leader’s remains to church appear on the front page. Considering that Tempo was owned by Marcos Crony Hanz Menzi, researchers may be interested in this material as a way of observing the perspectives of Marcos-affiliated Media in covering the event as well as other activities taking place in the country at the time. A copy of this news release has been preserved by the Bantayog Foundation’s library.
Tempo News Tabloid. Vol. 2. No. 233. 25 August 1983.
The August 26, 1983 issue of the Tempo tabloid, owned by Marcos Crony Hanz Menzi, includes an article with former Constabulary Chief Fidel Ramos warning against radicals taking advantage of the assassination of Benigno Aquino. The piece, titled “We’re Ready – Ramos”, further states the preparations being made to secure the attendance of the Aquino Family during the upcoming funeral procession. Retrieved from the Bantayog ng mga Bayani Digital Archive, this source offers a perspective into the positioning of the Marcos Administration in documenting and representing the assassination event and its aftermath.
Tempo News Tabloid. Vol. 2. No. 234. 26 August 1983.
The inaugural issue of the Philippines Information Bulletin. Started in 1973 by U.S.-based allies of the anti-Marcos movement, the Bulletin was in operation until 1976. The publication, which was eventually guided by the Friends of the Filipino People, kept people in the United States up to date on martial law developments in the Philippines as well as the role that the United States played in supporting the Marcos presidency.
Philippines Information Bulletin 1, no. 1 (January 1973).
This Special Edition of Mr. and Ms. magazine shows the bloodied body of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr. who was murdered in August 21, 1983. The issue also contains pictures of the thousands of people who attended his public funeral. Magazines such as this one were instrumental in exposing the excesses of the regime of President Marcos. The funeral was seen as the beginning of the end of his regime.
The Aquino Funeral (Special Edition), Mr.&Ms. magazine, September 2, 1983.
This special issue by the liberal newspaper, Malaya, covers the funeral of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr., which was attended by millions of Filipinos. The headline refers to this event “as a new chapter” in Philippines history. For many, this was the beginning of the end of the regime of President Marcos.
“Millions pay last respects for Ninoy,” Malaya Newspaper, September 1-4, 1983.
Retrieved from the online library of the Bantayog Foundation, this copy of the Balita News Tabloid, then owned by Marcos Crony Hanz Menzi, offers perspective on the selection and positioning of media news connected with the Administration. The issue features an article titled “Canadian priest is Harassed by gov’t” referring to the harassment of the clergy in Mindanao – including Canadian Father Pat Kelly and German Nationals arrested with Karl Gaspar. Another article later in the paper also speculates on whether Former Senator Benigno Aquino would be returning in time for the 1984 Parliamentary elections.
Balita News Tabloid. Vol. 5. No. 18. 2 June 1983.
This cover story that declares “It’s all over; Marcos flees!” has become one of the most popular covers in Philippine newspaper history. Most articles in this issue discuss the end of the regime of President Marcos as he and his family fled the Philippines after a peaceful People Power revolution. The cover shows a photo of Corazon Aquino taking her oath as the new President of the Philippines.
Luis Beltran, “It’s all over, Marcos flees!” Philippine Daily Inquirer, February 26, 1986.
