martial law and the edsa revolution: a day of reflection
With Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as our current president, Filipinos' expectations are high, especially with the knowledge of what happened in the past; when the son of the one who was ousted almost 40 years ago is brought into power with the position of president assuming the fate of the country in the present.
Written by: Claire Therese Ferrer
Layout by: Danielle Luyun
February 25, 2023 | 5:25 P.M.
People of all different backgrounds gathered on Epiphanio de los Santos Avenue from February 22nd to 25th 1986 in protest against the Marcos Administration. This marks the beginning of freedom and power for Filipinos nationwide, at the exile of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos. This revolution went on to ignite patriotism in the hearts of Filipinos.
In 1965, Ferdinand Marcos was elected as the 10th president of the Philippines, succeeding Diosdado Macapagal. During this time, the opposing liberal party of the Marcos administration accused Marcos of corruption and graft. This increased the inequality between the wealthy and those who live in poverty. Thus, the rise of the Communist Party of the Philippines was backed up by the New People’s Army or NPA; a military wing created by the CPP. Due to the civil and military unrest in the Philippines, Marcos garnered the idea of implementing martial law.
During martial law, Filipino citizens had their rights taken away from them. This includes their freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and many other things that civil citizens are accustomed to. Media outlets that spoke out, criticizing the Marcos Administration, were shut down as well. No one was exempted, even senators and government officials who were opposed to Marcos. As Marcos gained control over emergency powers, complete command of the Filipino military as well as the power to repress and abolish the rights of the populace were handed to him.
The lives of Filipinos were at risk during martial law. Over 100,000 people were either imprisoned, killed, or tortured.
Amidst the suffering the Philippines has undergone in the 21 years of Marcos’ term, there was a deep desire to take back what was theirs—their rights and their freedom; something that was also present during the era of colonization. In a way, it has brought people together, to fight for what is theirs and for what is right and humane.
The revolution was motivated and executed by the Filipino people who had a vision. They knew their situation wasn’t ideal and was certain it is not good. The revolution was prompted, came, and went, changing the Philippines forever, and allowing Filipinos to free themselves from a dictatorial administration. Reinstating the democracy the country once had, the country attempted to restore peace from when chaos ruled the streets between the people and the government.
Even if all of these ideals have been acted upon, there are and still will be more hurdles to come in our country. Factors that come into play are extreme loyalists, external relations, government infighting, plausible corruption, and obscured problems.
With Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as our current president, Filipinos' expectations are high, especially with being aware of what happened in the past; when the son of the one who was ousted almost 40 years ago is brought into power with the position of president assuming the fate of the country in the present.
As various civic groups and parties stage rallies nationwide to commemorate the 36th anniversary of the People Power Revolution and the victims of martial law, we are reminded of the people who fought for this country and we are further reminded of what they fought for— freedom, liberty, and justice. They did so by overthrowing the Marcos dictatorial regime back in 1986.