MANILA, Philippines — Deputy speaker and Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Party-list Rep. Atty. Leila de Lima on Monday marked the 54th anniversary of martial law, noting that abuses experienced by many Filipinos during the dark period in history should not be forgotten.
“Despite blatant attempts to reverse or distort what transpired during this dark chapter of our history, we must not forget,” De Lima said in Filipino in a statement.
“We must not forget the thousands of Filipinos who were killed, tortured, and imprisoned; the *desaparecidos*, the silenced voices, the trampled rights and dignity, and the public funds that went toward the luxuries and pockets of the few,” she added.
The lawmaker also remembered the survivors of military rule and recognized those who fought and sacrificed for democracy in the country.
“We honor those who fought and sacrificed for our democracy and seek justice for all those who suffered by continuing to stand for truth, justice, and democracy. Collectively and courageously,” she said.
“Because forgetting paves the way for a recurrence of violence and twisted practices,” she added.
Among present threats De Lima mentioned were “the machinery of propaganda and the evasion of accountability is fueled by rampant fake news and disinformation.”
To counter these and other obstacles to the country’s development, she called for the passage of legislation aimed at ending political dynasties, saying it was time to give Filipinos what she described as genuine political power.
“And amidst the persistent poverty in our country, the same surnames continue to hold government positions. Enough is enough,” De Lima said.
“It is time to return true power to the people. Let us pass a genuine law to put an end to political dynasties and the abuses of a few families,” she added.
