Victims of the late Philippines’ dictator Ferdinand Marcos’s brutal era of martial law fear that if his namesake son wins the presidency in the election next week, the victory would cap a three-decade political fightback.
Marcos Jr., also known as “Bongbong,” has benefited from what some political analysts describe as a decades-long effort to alter perceptions of his family.
Former political prisoner Cristina Bawagan was arrested, tortured, and sexually abused by soldiers during Marcos’s reign. Bawagan said that the people are fearful that the realities and horrors of Marcos’s rule would be diminished.
Many say that the presidential run is an attempt to rewrite history and change a narrative of authoritarianism and corruption, both of which are massively associated with Marcos’s era.
Marcos’s main rival in the presidential race, Leni Robredo, told supporters that the election is not just a fight for elected positions, but also a fight against disinformation, fake news, and historical revisionism.
Marcos Jr. has called his father a “political genius.” He has also denied claims of spreading misinformation and negative campaigning.
Bawagan said that it is crucial for martial law victims like her to share stories in order to counter the portrayal of Marcos’s regime as a peaceful golden age. Evidence of what the reality was is needed.
When Marcos ruled for two decades from 1965, almost half of the rule was under martial law. During that time, 70,000 people were imprisoned, 34,000 were tortured, and 3,240 were killed.
Marcos Jr. previously said that not one person was arrested for political or religious views, but human rights organizations and watchdogs have said this is disinformation. More than 11,000 victims of state brutality during martial law later received reparations.
Many victims and victims’ family members said that the return of a Marcos is unthinkable.
One survivor said that their “blood is boiling” at the thought of another Marcos. Marcos declared martial law, and now they claim no one was arrested and tortured, while victims are still alive and speaking out.
Be the first to comment