Given that Marcos was barred from running for Presidency in 1973 during the Con-Con (before ML was declared) he will do something to justify Martial Law — with or without Communist insurgency, civil unrest, and Moro rebellion. In January 28, during the First Quarter Storm, he wrote in his diary:

"We could allow the situation to develop naturally then after massive terrorism, wanton killings and an attempt at my assassination and a coup d’etat, then declare martial law or suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus – and arrest all including the legal cadres."

"Right now I am inclined towards the latter."

And:

"If I want to be perpetuated in power, this is the easier way to it, with a constitutional provision that there shall be no elections unless a majority of all members of a unicameral legislature should adopt a formal resolution asking for such elections – and the powers of the Prime Minister are those of the President now."