On the anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law in the Philippines, Caritas Philippines, the social action arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), expresses deep concern over ongoing threats to human rights, justice, and the well-being of Filipinos.
During Martial Law, the Catholic Church played a pivotal role in opposing the Marcos regime. It served as a moral compass, providing spiritual guidance and rallying Filipinos against authoritarian rule. The Church’s advocacy was grounded in Catholic social teachings that emphasize human dignity, justice, peace, and care for the poor and marginalized.
The gravity of this period cannot be overstated. According to Human Rights Watch, estimates of the number of people killed during Martial Law range from 10,000 to 30,000. This staggering figure underscores the severity of human rights abuses committed during that dark era.
Despite the passage of time, the legacy of Martial Law continues to cast a long shadow over our nation. While the Marcos regime has fallen, its authoritarian spirit lingers, manifesting in policies and practices that suppress dissent, marginalize vulnerable communities, and undermine the rule of law.
We note with disappointment the lack of significant progress in addressing the injustices committed during Martial Law. Victims and their families still seek justice and accountability, while impunity remains a pervasive problem. The government’s failure to fully implement necessary reforms has left many with a sense of unfulfilled promises.
The current administration’s policies and actions have raised serious concerns about the erosion of democratic rights and the protection of human rights. While the government has not aggressively pursued anti-terrorism measures like the Anti-Terror Act and NTF-ELCAC, other laws and policies continue to raise concerns. The Renewable Energy Act, Rice Tariffication Law, PUV Modernization Program, and public utility joint venture programs have been criticized for potentially silencing dissent and advancing corporate interests at the expense of public welfare.
Of particular concern is the persistence of political dynasties in the Philippines, a phenomenon that has deep roots in our nation’s history, including the Martial Law era. These dynasties concentrate power within a few families, often at the expense of genuine democratic representation and social equity. The continued dominance of political clans undermines the principles of fair political competition and equal opportunity, perpetuating a system that favors entrenched interests over the common good.
Corruption, impunity, and unresolved issues surrounding the illicit drug trade and the POGO industry further exacerbate the challenges facing our nation. These are not isolated incidents but systemic problems rooted in a culture of impunity and disregard for the common good.
Caritas Philippines calls upon the government to:
– Prioritize human rights and justice by fully investigating and prosecuting human rights violations committed during and after Martial Law.
– Respect democratic principles by upholding the rule of law, protecting civil liberties, and promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
– Address systemic issues by implementing comprehensive reforms to combat corruption, impunity, and the erosion of democratic institutions.
– Serve the common good by prioritizing the needs of the most vulnerable and marginalized sectors of society, ensuring all Filipinos have access to basic services and opportunities.
– Enact and enforce meaningful reforms to limit the influence of political dynasties and promote a more inclusive and representative democracy.
As we commemorate this dark chapter in our history, let us renew our commitment to building a just, equitable, and democratic Philippines. Together, we can work toward a future free from the fear and oppression that characterized the Martial Law era.