Another day of infamy

I can still remember where I was and what I was doing when I first heard the news that Marcos had declared martial law. I will never forget the time that I heard that Ninoy Aquino had been assassinated. I always remember those events as tragic days of infamy in Philippine history – days of national dishonor, shame and ignominy. I have prayed that I would never again be a living witness to another day of infamy.

It was around noon last Friday, Nov. 19, when my son, Roel, sent a viber message to our family about a “breaking news” on social media that the dictator Ferdinand Marcos was going to be buried that same day in the Libingan ng mga Bayani. I was in the middle of a meeting and my first reaction was that this was another social media exaggeration. After all, my understanding was that there was supposed to be a motion for reconsideration at the Supreme Court.

My next reaction was that if there was going to be a burial, there would be an announcement. I thought that surely after the Marcos family had fought so long and so hard for this burial to happen, they would not conduct the event in such a surreptitious and deceptive manner. So I continued with my meeting. Finally, I went out to my car to join some friends for a late lunch. It was my driver who told me that he had heard over the radio that Marcos had been buried in LMB. I turned on the radio and heard the tragic news.

As I internalized what had happened, two thoughts came to my mind. First, every time those previous days of infamy happened  – martial law and the Aquino assassination -  there would be a period of  protests and then quiet and sullen acceptance. But then there would be long term consequences that would change the political and social fabric of Philippine Society.

Second, this burial was done in such a typical Marcosian style. They used their influence – money and power – to get what they want and they would accomplish their personal goals without caring about the effect on the nation and its people. As the son said: “We have waited 27 years to fulfil that wish that he left us with. But we are here today and we are able to grant him that wish.” There is no remorse or apology in that statement.

Each time I experienced those days of infamy – declaration of martial law, Aquino assassination and now the LMB Marcos burial – I am always reminded of the poem Like a Thief in the Night by Helen Wilby. It is about “death”; but, if you substitute the word “Marcos,” you will understand what I mean. I found out that Vice President Leni Robredo had used the phrase “like a thief in the night” in her public statement condemning the Marcos burial. But for those who are not familiar with the poem, I have decided to reproduce it here.

Like a Thief in the Night by Helen Wilby

Like a thief in the night, You [Marcos] came, creeping silently

Stealing all that was most precious, Leaving me to wake to the chaos

That used to be a well ordered life.

Tiptoeing through my house, Removing all of value

No voice no voice, No laughter, No joy, You took them all

Like a thief in the night.

Now I lie shaking, Waiting to see, what else has gone

Vanished without a trace, No word of warning, No second chance.

I hear your footsteps, The whisper in the air

As you [Marcos] circle around my bed, What next?

What next will I awaken to find gone?

Like a thief in the night

You [Marcos] have taken it all, And I awake

Grieving for what is gone

Frightened for tomorrow’s loss.

Never forget

Perhaps, the nation should not be surprised by the actions of the Marcos family. In her statement, Robredo  said: “ Like a thief in the night, the Marcos family deliberately hid the information of burying former President Marcos today from the Filipino people...This is nothing new to the Marcoses – they who had hidden wealth, hidden human rights abuses, and now a hidden burial – with complete disrespect for the rule of the law.”

What is disturbing is her statement: “ They [Marcoses] obviously flouted the law where the decision does not become final and executory until 15 days or the resolution of the MR. We are disturbed that this happened in  coordination with AFP and PNP demonstrating further that the judicial process has been thoroughly disregarded.” Are we seeing again the return of powerful people flaunting the rule of law in pursuit of personal goals?

There are those who are telling us that it is time to “move on.”It is time to forgive. But forgiveness does not mean forgetting. Moving on does not mean forgetting. It is well to remember the warning of the philosopher George Santayana: “ Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” For the millennial and post EDSA generation, they should remember that those who fail to learn from the mistakes of their predecessors are destined to repeat them.

The greatest tragedy in this day of infamy is the message that we are sending to future generations. A dictator responsible for human rights abuses and massive corruption and ranked as the worst tyrant in our history can suddenly be recognized as a hero and role model for our next generation. This is a national day of shame.

NEVER FORGET!

Creative writing classes for kids and teens

Young Writers’ Hangout for Kids & Teens on December 3 and December 10 (1:30pm-3pm). Classes at Fully Booked Bonifacio High Street. For registration and fee details text 0917-6240196 or email [email protected].

*      *      *

Email: [email protected]