(We yield this space to the statement of the Samahan ng Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto or SELDA, an organization of victims and survivors of the bloody Marcos dictatorial regime, due to its timeliness. – Ed.)
IN commemoration of EDSA People Power 34th anniversary we remember and pay tribute to all martyrs who bravely fought to conquer tyranny and restore democracy. That day, 34 years ago, will always be remembered as the day when the collective action of the Filipino people toppled a dictator.
Three decades after the eventful EDSA uprising, the fight for justice and accountability still goes on as Ferdinand Marcos’ family desperately attempts to gain political resurgence through a diehard Marcos fanatic. The current President continues to coddle his idol’s family and cronies. Imelda, the late dictator’s wife, is still enjoying her freedom and extravagant lifestyle, despite being found guilty of seven counts of graft due to her amassed wealth during her husband’s regime. In 2019 alone, four cases against the Marcoses were deplorably dismissed by the Sandiganbayan due to “lack of sufficient evidence.”
Aside from being an enabler of the Marcoses’ political rehabilitation, the Duterte administration is also trying its best to replicate Marcosian rule by amplifying the existing culture of impunity and injustice through its intensive attacks towards the Filipino masses. Human rights violations against activists, human rights defenders and progressive organizations – state-sponsored killings, raids, trumped up charges, red-tagging, among others – lamentably heighten day by day. Duterte, assisted by his loyal lapdogs, is also flexing his strength to spin tall tales and suppress dissent by attacking key media outlets and using its paid trolls to brainwash and twist history. Much like Marcos, the chief executive, in his forlorn attempt to cling to his position, ensured that he will have complete control over legislation and judiciary by appointing his minions in key positions.
This administration is apparently a haunting shadow of one of the darkest era in Philippine history. We cannot allow this self-styled despot and his minions to perpetually cloak us in darkness and violence. We in SELDA, being first-hand victims of injustice and political persecution, are enjoining the Filipino people to unite and continuously fight for our rights and freedom. More than ever, we call on everyone, especially the youth, to demand accountability and justice for all victims of the Marcos’ bloody reign, and resist a tyrannical regime. Like what we did in the previous regime, we will be steadfast in our commitment to topple down all forms of tyranny and dictatorship.
