by Nimfa Estrellado Straight Talk September 21, 2022 FM Declares Martial Law”—the headline of the September 24, 1972 issues of the Sunday Ex...
Straight Talk
September 21, 2022
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| FM Declares Martial Law”—the headline of the September 24, 1972 issues of the Sunday Express, which was the Sunday edition of Philippines Daily Express. The Daily Express was the only newspaper allowed to circulate upon the declaration of Martial Law. (Photo from Philippines Daily Express) |
Warning: If you are sensitive to martial law, do not continue reading.
Note: I’m not joking. This is not satire. But don't overreact. Please. I repeat this is not satire.
Today is the 50th anniversary of the declaration of martial law in the Philippines, and I was honored to be interviewed by two well-known Philippine media hosts. May we #neverforget what happened back then, and may we #NeverAllow history to repeat itself.
Girl Abunda: Can martial law happen again?
Me: Right now, with the economy and crime so bad, I wish it would happen. Is there another option? If I were President right now, I would declare Martial Law.
To answer your question, yes, martial law can be declared again.
But don't worry, it won't happen right now because... For so long, the Philippines has been ruled by corrupt and manipulative officials that it has become normal.
Girl Abunda: What will you do if martial law is imposed?
Me: I get up, make a cup of hot chocolate, go to work, take online classes, hang out with friends, eat good food, and pray five times a day to strengthen my mind and spirit. After a typical workday, watch a movie, pray, and then either go to bed early or go out with friends.
Girl Abunda: Seriously?
Me: Of course.
Girl Abunda: Are you die-hard Duterte supporters?
Me: Rodrigo Roa Duterte is no longer our president or vice president. But I like her daughter because she represents the epitome of a strong woman and a superwoman to me. I believe that all women should look up to her. So, does that make me an ardent Duterte supporter? Because Duterte is her surname?
Girl Abunda: Yes.
Me: Geez. Okay so next question.
Girl Abunda: Marcos's apologist?
Me: What? Why? Why do you say these things to me?
Girl Abunda: Are you? Don't tell me lies. Please allow me to educate you.
Me: Are you an interviewer or an educator?
Girl Abunda: Don't bother asking me questions; I'm the one who should be asking you. I'm the one conducting the interview.
Me: Next interviewer, please.
Alex Talks: Hi
Me: Hello, I'm a fan of yours.
Alex Talks: As a journalist, what do you think this country has become since the leader who declared martial law to maintain power was removed a long time ago?
Me: Since today is the anniversary of martial law, I just want to remind people not to dismiss people's opinions about martial law simply because they were not present to witness it.
I mean, does life in the Philippines after martial law change anything? Rape, corruption, and murders became even worse after martial law was declared... Nothing has changed whether it is present or not.
One thing must be made clear: without the support of the people, no political party, opposition front, or leader can defeat the evil forces. You can't get rid of the roots of bad government unless the people choose to do so. Yes, to each of them.
People can learn by speaking up and asking questions. Never make the same mistake twice.
The Philippine democracy is facing its most serious challenge in a decade. As a journalist, I can tell you that no matter how hard any political opposition tries, it will fail unless the people awaken to the truth and see the whole picture.
Our democracy's institutions are being corrupted, the media is being compromised, elections are being staged, campaign funding is being manipulated, and the constitution is being slowly dismantled.
People must wake up; it is no longer a question of choice, but of survival.
It's not about being a Duterte supporter, a Marcos apologist, or a Pinklawan staunch defender.
This is a war between good and evil, not Coalition vs Opposition, DDS vs Pinklawan.
Our democracy is currently restricted by an unofficial martial law that forbids free speech.
Do you not believe that martial law is in effect right now? We could have gained insight from our past, I hope. Change must start now. It is time to speak up and demonstrate our genuine support for our country's democracy.
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