Activists to Marcos: No reconciliation without justice

MANILA, Philippines — Activist groups Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) and Anakbayan have rejected President Marcos’ reconciliation offer, maintaining that there can be no reconciliation unless there is justice and “meaningful recognition of the abuses of the past.”

“Reconciliation can only happen when there is justice. Without any meaningful recognition of the abuses of the past, how can there be genuine reconciliation?” Bayan secretary-general Renato Reyes Jr. yesterday said.

Based on the figures of human rights watchdog Amnesty International, about 70,000 to 72,000 were imprisoned, 34,000 were tortured and 3,240 were killed from 1972 to 1981 during martial law.

Last Saturday, in commemoration of the 37th anniversary of the EDSA people power revolution which ended the 20-year dictatorship of his late father and namesake, Marcos offered reconciliation to those with “political persuasions,” saying it is time for the country to unite after the revolution “divided the Filipino people.”

“I once again offer my hand of reconciliation to those with different political persuasions to come together as one in forging a better society – one that will pursue progress and peace and a better life for all Filipinos,” he said.

For Bayan, however, it is not merely the difference in political leanings that divide the nation, but the continuing prevalence of human rights abuses and oppression.

“It is not a mere difference of opinion that divides us. The fundamental contradiction is between the oppressor and the oppressed,” Reyes said.

“How can there be reconciliation when there are continuing human rights violations, silencing and criminalization of dissent, on top of the continuing economic suffering of the people? Marcos’ offer makes for a good sound bite, but lacks sincerity and substance,” he added.

Activist youth group Anakbayan expressed the same view, saying that unless justice is served to the victims of abuses during martial law, there can be no reconciliation.

“No justice, no reconciliation,” Anakbayan national chairperson Jeann Miranda said.

Reconciliation is also hard to attain amid the prevailing economic burden of ordinary Filipinos such as skyrocketing prices of basic commodities and services and poor wages, according to the group.

It also slammed Marcos’ supposed attempt to spy on the citizens and to hold on to power beyond his six-year term by changing the 1987 Constitution.