Martial law in the Philippines was “lifted” on January 17. Some prisoners were released, other rituals performed But there was no dancing in the streets, and any private rejoicing must have been dampened when President and Prime Minister Ferdinand Marcos signed an order retaining the absolute powers vested in him under his 1973 constitution and 1976 amendments, both submitted to mock referenda. The writ of habeas corpus remains suspended under the catchall “crimes against security” and labor strikes are still banned under another catchall category, “vital industries.” The army will not be returning to the barracks.

The ceremonial lifting was timed for greatest effect, anticipating Ronald Reagan’s inauguration on January 20 and Pope John Paul lis visit to the island in February an ecstatic event for the 40 million Filipino Catholics who make up 86 per cent of the population. The pope was hardly deceived, and, in any case, he certainly does not give his benediction to government repression. The Reagan administration has issued no official statements on the Philippines, but the new secretary of state has made provocative generalizations about how matters of human rights will be met in U.S. foreign policy.