In the digital age, it is hard to imagine life without social media. Thanks to the advancement of technology, it has provided a space wherein people are able to express themselves, connect with others, and share information. The freedom of information has always played a vital role in defining history since it shows that there is always more than one side of the story.
However, during the time of Martial Law—48 years ago, information was only accessible through newspapers, televisions, and radios, all of which Marcos had total control over; people had little to no access at all to what was truly happening to the country. Their perception of truth was entirely dependent on what information the Marcos regime fed them. Anyone who would dare criticize or say otherwise were silenced. As Marcos declared the Letter of Instruction No. 1 on September 28, 1972, people who spoke in opposition vanished overnight. Many well-known journalists were arrested without due process. With the Marcos regime in full control of the media, the government was free to weave the narrative of events to its favor.
Today, the people now have the freedom that journalists during that time could only dream about, the power to speak in an instant. Technology has provided many avenues for Filipinos to access information yet it is often wasted on such insignificant matters such as the spread of lies and trolls. Disinformation has become rampant, often used as a means to defend and justify Ferdinand Marcos’ reign. Some of the most common claims stated that the Philippines’ economy prospered under his rule and that there were no casualties. A far cry from the truth. In reality, around 70,000 people were arrested, half of them were tortured, and 3,240 were killed. There had been two massacres and the Philippines’ foreign debt accumulated to $26.7 billion all within Marcos’ term.
Admittedly, holding on to the truth is far more difficult and painful than choosing to believe a simple lie…
Despite all the evidence that has come to light about the crimes committed under martial law, Bongbong Marcos still refuses to acknowledge the violations their family has done and has even tried to revise history by taking advantage of the lack of education about it. This has even led to attempts in covering up the truth with the use of trolls in social media to silence the voice of the victims. Aside from that, even with the accessibility of credible information, some people have become oblivious, and ignorant of their country’s history, choosing to remain silent on the issue because, for them, it was all just a distant part of the past. People fail to realize that despite the fact that it already happened decades ago, its effects are still felt today.
It is now all the more important for Filipinos to use their voice with the aid of social media to fight against these injustices. Changing the narrative of the country’s history would be a disdain to the survivors who fought for liberation. The spread of false information would only tarnish the efforts made by all those who have fought against the Marcos regime. The lives taken and the billions of money stolen are gone. Nothing can bring back all of what this country has lost. All that can be done now is hold on to the truth to honor the sacrifices the victims have made and ensure that their efforts were not all in vain.
Admittedly, holding on to the truth is far more difficult and painful than choosing to believe a simple lie but as Vice President Leni Robredo said: “We must do this because, ultimately, our national aspirations can only be as strong as our national memory.” The fight for truth has never been an easy path, a journey stained with tears and blood, but like it or not Martial Law is a part of the history that binds the people together.
People need to have the courage to stand against the oppression that has enveloped society for decades. The horrors that happened beneath the curtains of controlled media must be known. Lives were lost, human rights were violated. Do not allow these crimes to be swept under a rug and the truth to be buried along with it. Above all, never forget what has happened. These hardships are stories that need to be told; injustices that deserve to be addressed. The people’s ignorance and forgetfulness would only benefit the oppressor. The choice is yours. Will you allow the dictator to win or will you stand against the impunity?
Source:
https://rappler.com/newsbreak/fact-check/lies-about-edsa-revolution-martial-law
https://rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/how-marcos-silenced-media-press-freedom-martial-law
https://mb.com.ph/2020/09/21/on-48th-martial-law-anniversary-robredo-urges-filipinos-to-hold-firm-to-the-truth-never-forget/
Megan Olladas
Features staffer
HiLites ASHS 