Marcos and Martial Law has always been a sensitive topic to the Filipino people, especially since the issue of former President Ferdinand Marcos' burial in Libingan ng mga Bayani. The Filipino youth of today need to learn a few things about his family and what he did in his rule; honestly, I don't know why there are some who support the them when in the future, when they start working, they'll still be paying off the debt that Ferdinand Marcos made around 44 years ago. Martial Law is supposed to be taught in schools with facts. Whether it be positive or negative facts, it still made a huge impact to the country.
I cannot let someone tell me "ah, Martial Law, move on ka na nga! Tagal na nun" or "Wala ka naman nu'ng nangyari yun eh." I have been wanting to fight Marcos apologists and call them names but it wouldn't be worth it for me. I was always afraid to throw facts at them for the fear of getting them wrong but now since I looked up the subject, I'm more prepared.
"ah, Martial Law, move on ka na nga! Tagal na 'nun"
Yes, it happened decades ago but one cannot simply move on from that. Tell the survivors of those who were tortured and raped to move on from Martial Law. Imagine being taken against your will just because you said something that Imee Marcos didn't like. It's not like moving on from a romance that didn't bloom.
I cannot move on from the fact that while our countrymen were suffering and rallying against the corrupt government, Imelda Marcos was in New York, spending millions of dollars just for shopping. There are documents that prove that both Imelda and Ferdinand's income was around 100,000 pesos, and that US$ 685 Million were returned by Switzerland to the Philippine Government from a Marcos bank account that were deemed from a "kleptocratic regime." It makes you wonder where Imelda's shopping money came from.
Liliosa Hilao, Judy Taguiwalo, Manuel F. Ontong, and others who disappeared or were tortured and killed during Martial Law could have been the Philippines' leaders today. They could have done so much more than they already have back then.
"Wala ka naman nu'ng nangyari yun eh."
Ikaw ba, nandun rin nu'ng nangyari yun? We might not have been there when it took place but we remember because of the stories that have been told by those who were. We also do not forget for a lot these are the people who underwent and survived one of the most inhumane torture methods. We remember for those who fought for the freedom that we have today. If it weren't for them, I'd probably go to jail for posting this blog post.
 |
| Photo from Heneral Antonio Luna Facebook Page |
The post above is just satire, JSYK.
We don't just discuss Martial Law because it was a part of history, we discuss it because it inspired the Filipino people to to stand up for what is right.
This was such a heavy topic for me to write about but I since today is the anniversary of when former Pres. Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial Law, I figured it would be a good blog post. I also attended a talk on this matter and World War II last Saturday so I became even more inspired.
x
