On 23 September 1972, President Ferdinand Marcos issued the formal declaration of martial law which led to the arrests of 11 conveners, alongside government critics and journalists, by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Constabulary.

[1] The convention then re-convened and wrote a constitution in line with what President Ferdinand Marcos wanted, at least, according to many critics and victims of martial law.

Alongside the utilization of citizens' assemblies, the voting age was also reduced to 15.

[2] During the course of voting, military men were stationed in prominent positions to intimidate voters.

These results were challenged during the Ratification Cases heard by the Supreme Court of the Philippine in 1973.