MANILA, Philippines - As the country commemorated yesterday the declaration of martial law 41 years ago, Vice President Jejomar Binay urged Filipinos, especially the youth, to be vigilant against tyranny and to always fight for freedom.
“To our youth, I hope you will always remember that blood flowed when we fought for the democratic air that you enjoy today. I pray your generation will be as vigilant in protecting this blessing and will promise Mother Country, never again,†said Binay, who was one of those who fought martial law.
He also reminded the youth that the freedom being enjoyed today is “the fruit of much suffering†as countless Filipinos fought and died for it.
“We must retell these stories of struggle and sacrifice to those who have not suffered, who do not know the difficult dark days of dictatorship, who have not lost their loved ones or their homes, who have not felt the fear that can only come from an abusive regime,†the Vice President said.
“We must remember that our freedoms, as individuals and as a people, should be guarded, and guarded jealously,†he added.
For their part, women’s group Gabriela lamented that corruption, oppression and exploitation of people under martial law have continued under the Aquino administration.
“We commemorate the anniversary of martial law to remind those in power not to repeat the oppression and exploitation suffered by the Filipinos in the hands of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos and his cronies. However, after 41 years, the sufferings of the people have been continuing,†said Gabriela secretary-general Joms Salvador.
“If Marcos had cronies during martial law, President Aquino has friends and classmates in his administration now,†she said.
Gabriela also reiterated its call for a ceasefire in Zamboanga City and for the government and the Moro National Liberation Front to sit down at the negotiating table to prevent further loss of lives.
“The President also used the war in Mindanao to divert the people’s anger against the pork barrel and corruption. The armed conflict was also used to tighten security against protests even here in National Capital Region,†Salvador said.
“If the government is serious in addressing the grievances of the Moro brethren, the President should talk with the rebels and should not use iron hand just like what Marcos did,†she added. – With Rhodina Villanueva