Today, we commemorate the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law, a period marked by atrocities and killings that undermined the democracy and independence of the Filipino people. This chapter in our history serves as a reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the suppression of dissent.Yet, the lessons of the past seem to be fading. A recent survey from WR Numero revealed that 56.5% of Filipinos view the Martial Law era positively, a testament to the developing historical revisionism that influences our nation. This statistic is not a phenomenon that is ignorable, but rather a starting point where new forms of injustice and rejectionism can grow.

This year’s commemoration is not just about looking at our past but also reflecting on its ideals in our present. As investigations into flood control and other corruption allegations continue, we see the echoes of Martial Law’s abuse of authority through the rampant corruption in our government. While communities are submerged and lives are disrupted, billions of pesos meant for public welfare are allegedly absorbed into private pockets, a breach of commitment to Filipinos. In response, the Filipino public are once again taking to the streets and using social media to voice out the sentiments that those in power are trying to erase. Students have walked out of their classrooms, netizens use social media to call out public officials and their immediate families, and the whole populace, to the best of their ability, is protesting and demanding accountability. These demonstrations, set amidst the Martial Law anniversary, signify a renewed awakening and a refusal to be silenced.

The fight for our nation’s integrity continues, from the ghosts of a brutal regime to the sparks of modern-day corruption. We, the students, stand at the forefront of this battle, armed with the memory of the past and the unwavering hope for a just future. We must not let history repeat itself through our ignorance or our silence.

As always,

Never forget.

Never again.