The Kilusang Bayan Kontra Kurakot (KBKK), joined by various progressive and sectoral groups, spearheaded the commemoration of the 54th anniversary of Martial Law declaration at Liwasang Bonifacio, Sept. 21.
Protesters gathered at Liwasang Bonifacio in the afternoon, ushering in the program with a PISARA UP Diliman cultural performance. Shortly after, Prof. David Michael San Juan of KBKK delivered the opening remarks.
“Tuloy pa rin ang laban. Ramdam na ramdam pa rin ang baha dahil may korapsyon… Ang panawagan natin: ‘Lahat ng sangkot, dapat managot.” San Juan also named victims of the Leptospirosis outbreak in Bulacan, connecting the epidemic to the casualties caused by the ghost projects in the flood control scandal.
A diverse group of representatives came up to the stage to voice out their concerns regarding accountability, the fight against corruption, and abolishing political dynasties in government, such as the Marcos and Duterte clans.
In an exclusive interview with The Benildean, Former Representative of Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Partylist and now Co-Vice Chair of Makabayan Coalition, Francisca "France" Lustina Castro, underscored the importance of this day to the youth: “September 21 is a very important page in our history […] Importante itong araw na ito lalong-lalo na sa mga kabataan para malaman ninyo ang lesson ng Martial law—para hindi na ito maulit.”
“Sa ating mga kabataan, lalong-lalo na ‘yung mga hindi na inabot itong Martial Law, kailangan niyong i-unlearn yung mga miseducation [tungkol sa Martial Law]... Patuloy kayong mag-aral, patuloy kayong magsuri sa inyong lipunan,” she added.
Several groups for the labor, transport, agriculture, environment, and the Indigenous People sectors also highlighted their dismay towards the United States’ economic and security initiative bringing Artificial Intelligence (AI) hubs in Central Luzon, more commonly known as Pax Silica.
Kim Falyao of the BAI Indigenous Women's Network called out in her speech, “Mula noong panahon pa ni Marcos Sr. hanggang ngayon sa panahon ni Marcos Jr., hindi nirerespeto ang aming karapatan sa sariling pagpapasya, at nadadagdagan pa ang danas na aming nararanasan dahil, maliban sa pasista ang ating estado, ay kurakot pa ang ating gobyerno.”
Ending the program in Liwasang Bonifacio, Karapatan Deputy Secretary General and Human Rights lawyer, Atty. Sol Taule, gave her closing remarks before heading to Mendiola.
In an interview with The Benildean, Political Science graduate and National Convenor of Youth Rage Against Corruption Joaquin Buenaflor emphasized that political dynasties and political elites should not only be studied, but should also be exposed and opposed. He pointed out that Filipinos have the power to shape a better future for the youth and should fulfill their responsibility of protecting the country.
“Ang aral na dapat matutunan natin ay […] nasa atin talaga ang tunay na kapangyarihan sa ating bayan. Kayang-kaya nating ipagtanggol ‘yung kinabukasan ng mga kabataan kung kaya’t gawin natin ‘yung misyon natin bilang pag-asa ng bayan.”
Moreover, Chobi Pernejo, a jeepney driver from Muntinlupa, voiced out in an interview with The Benildean his concerns over the rising prices of fuel in the Philippines, saying that the continued increase made it difficult for them to sustain their daily operations and earn a living. He mentioned that jeepney drivers are demanding for the removal of the Deregulation Law, which they believe contributes to the fluctuations in fuel prices.
“Kada tumataas ‘yung presyo ng diesel, ‘yun naman ang pagkawala ng aming kita. Kasi ang kita namin halos hindi nagbabago ‘yan. Ngayon, kung nagbabago ‘yung presyo ng diesel, halos ang kinikita namin doon na lang napupunta.”
In addition, Chesca Duran, a student leader from the University of the Philippines Diliman, said in an interview with The Benildean that despite exhaustion and absences in class, protesters remained firm in their decision to join the rally, showing their commitment to the call for democracy and the demand for improvement.
“It takes sacrifice, pero alam natin, at naniniwala tayo, na ‘yung mga sakripisyo natin [ay] for the benefit [of all], lalo na’t [para sa] kinabukasan natin.”
Honoring the historical impact of Martial Law, the voice of the masses reminds Filipinos of the power that people hold to creating impactful change.
