MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Sunday said it honors the sacrifices of martial law victims that led to the return of democracy in the country after a repressive rule.
“We join our citizenry in remembering and honoring the sacrifices of the victims of martial rule… From their blood, sweat and tears, our people gathered and rebuilt their willpower and strength to mount wave upon wave of protest movements that culminated in the triumph of the EDSA People Power revolution in 1986,” said Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. in a radio interview with dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.
Among the rights curtailed during the martial law was press freedom, which according to Coloma, the Philippines now has the most freest press.
“Malinaw at klarong-klaro sa atin at sa kahit sinong observer na ang kalayaan sa pamamahayag sa Pilipinas ay isang magandang halimbawa kung paano ito dapat igalang at ipatupad sa isang demokrasya,” Coloma said.
“Kaya’t ito ay isa sa mga maaaring ikarangal at ipagmalaki ng ating bansa, ang pagkakaroon ng ganap at buong kalayaan sa pamamahayag… at kahalintulad na rin nito ang freedom of assembly at freedom expression,” he added.
The Communications Secretary also emphasized the importance of informing the younger generation of the sacrifices of many Filipinos who suffered under martial law.
“Together with our efforts to ensure sustainable long-term growth, progress and stability that would include the active participation of all Filipinos, it is important to impart to the youth of our land the lessons learned from martial rule and the struggle to restore democracy, as our continuing legacy to all future generations of Filipinos,” said Coloma.
In September 21, 1972, former strongman President Ferdinand Marcos issued Proclamation No. 1081, placing the entire country under martial rule.
Palace honors the sacrifices of Martial Law victims
