MANILA, Philippines – The declaration of Martial Law in September 1972 by President Ferdinand Marcos led to one of the darkest moments in Philippine history. 

If some accounts are to be believed, numerology played a role in the declaration.

According to family members and supporters, the dictator considered the number 7 as his favorite or lucky number.

Including the declaration of Martial Law, here are 7 instances where the number 7 figured both in Marcos’ life (and after his death).

1. Martial Law declaration

Marcos reportedly signed Proclamation 1081 on September 21, due to the date being divisible by 7. He then announced it on national TV on September 23, at 7:15 pm. (READ: Martial Law 101: Things you should know)

However, according to the Official Gazette, there are conflicting reports that the proclamation was actually signed on September 23 or even earlier, on September 17.

Notably, the imposition of Martial Law happened on the 7th year of his administration. 

2. February 7, 1986 snap elections

Bowing to mounting pressure here and abroad, Marcos called for snap elections, scheduling it for February 7, 1986.

The original date of the snap polls also had a number 7 in it: January 17, 1986. 

3. Cabinet Bill No. 7 

This was the measure introduced to and passed by the National Assembly – the unicameral Congress at the time – that set the 1986 snap elections.

4. Marcos’ presidential yacht

During Marcos’ tenure in Malacañang, the presidential yacht was renamed RPS The President, and later BRP Ang Pangulo. Its hull number? TP-777.

The yacht’s identification was changed to BRP Ang Pangulo (AT-25) when then-president Corazon Aquino assumed office after the 1986 snap elections.

5. The ‘Inner Seven’

In his book, The Conjugal Dictatorship of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos, the dictator’s former aide, Primitivo Mijares, wrote that the strongman Marcos has a group of military officers advising him and carrying out his orders during Martial Law. (READ: Marcos’ martial law orders)

Marcos referred to this group as the “Inner Seven.” Four more military men “complete the so-called Outer Eleven, so that messages could be beamed to various sectors that the military ruling clique is united,” said Mijares.

6 & 7. After death

Nearly 4 years after his death in Hawaii in 1989, the government allowed Marcos’ remains to be flown to the Philippines for burial. His supporters pointed out the significance of his “return” date: September 7, 1993. (READ: From Hawaii to Ilocos Norte: The long journey of Ferdinand Marcos’ remains)

Then, in 2007, the Marcos family launched 7 books on his life and career at the National Library. The launch date? July 7 or 07/07/07. – Rappler.com