Written on September 21, 2024.
It was on this same day in 1972 that the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. signed Proclamation No. 1081, formally declaring Martial Law in the Philippines. This law, which lasted until 1981, gave the military an unending legislative agency. Relatively, Filipinos suffered seemingly endless human rights violations for nine years.
Lives were mercilessly taken. The media was silenced. Freedom of speech was trampled upon.
Disheartening as it is, loyalists continue to frame the Martial Law era as the golden age of the Philippines. This demoralizing narrative contradicts the cries for truth and the lived realities that are being buried in oblivion. As Marcos supporters persist in encouraging others to perceive Martial Law as a productive turning point in our history, more Filipinos will fail to acknowledge the grim reality of abuse, corruption, violence, and brutality.
Recalling Martial Law can be conducted in more ways than one, each entailing distinct facets of power, repression, and resistance. As we commemorate the darkest chapter of our history, let us also remember the lives lost, the families left in mourning, and the rights viciously denied.
Looking into undistorted history
Delving into the historical accounts of Martial Law has become increasingly tricky and difficult over time, especially in light of ongoing attempts at historical revisionism and distortion in the country. We have seen educational textbooks emphasizing the hegemonic “golden age” narrative as though it were the true version of reality. This is alarming, as textbooks are fundamental to shaping learners’ education and view of the world around them. Deceiving them into believing this narrative robs them of the freedom to seek and understand the genuine truth.
Given this scenario, triangulation becomes crucial. Stopping at a single source would be a menacing mistake. As we strive to uncover the truth through history, we must also assess the credibility of our sources, listen to the stories of those who lived through it, observe historical and political patterns, and work to disprove existing and emerging myths.
Political participation
As national consciousness continues to rise, more Filipinos are gradually awakening to the harsh realities not only of the Martial Law era but of the entire administration of the late Marcos Sr. This growing awareness compels us to participate in politics.
Engaging in political discourse is certainly a step toward understanding these issues. However, it does not end there. We must also exercise our right to vote, take part in educational discussions (EDs), and immerse ourselves in basic mass integrations and exposures (BMIs and BMEs). Through active political participation, we begin to both exhaustively grasp the cruelty endured by those who came before us and open our eyes to the worsening sociopolitical climate of our country.
The value of educating others
Through the learnings we have amassed from various forms of education, let us not forget our duty to educate others as well. At the end of the day, learning must be shared, and it is through collective efforts and understanding that we can change one’s stance, belief, and way of thinking for the better.
No matter how hard others try to twist it, no force can ever erase the truth that our understanding of history will truly set us free. Now that we are once again under the oppressive Marcos-Duterte regime, may we continue to clamor for our calls until the people in power are shaken and the masses become fully aware and equipped to fight for what is rightfully ours — genuine liberty.
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Mac Oli is a fourth-year BA Communication student at the University of the Philippines Baguio, majoring in Broadcast Communication with a minor in Journalism. He began working with Now You Know PH as an intern and correspondent. Currently, he writes and contributes occasional opinion pieces to the organization, focusing on the youth, the status quo, and marginalized communities.
