Photo courtesy: Esquire
Debates as to whether the 20-year Marcos regime was praiseworthy are still controversial up to this day, especially now that Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., the son of the late president Ferdinand Marcos Sr., ran for the presidency and presumptively won in the 2022 elections.
The proclamation of Martial law had become one of the Marcos legacies, often referred to as the “golden era” by some individuals.
As we chunk down to bits the golden achievements of late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., let us also take a look at the dark side of history that some often ignore.
What people believed
From the moment the Martial law was declared in 1972, stricter rules were implemented due to threats of the New People’s Army or underground people attacks. Curfew existed, and people were not allowed to step out of their homes once the clock struck at 9:00 PM.
During this era, everything was said to be in order, and Filipinos were disciplined, which made some of the people of today’s generation admire Marcos’ dictatorship.
Crimes are usually done at night, but the implemented curfew had become a factor in lessening the criminal charges, such as burglary and house breakers, because the police and military would be doing their rounds.
After a total of 20 years of ruling, including the nine-year military rule, infrastructures built during Marcos’ administration have become the highlight of his term for some people.
From bridges to hospitals and coliseums, they seem to serve as the living proof of the late president’s accomplishments. To name a few, the San Juanico Bridge, connecting the provinces of Samar and Leyte; and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, where musical and occasional events are held.
Also, many have not forgotten about the famous Nutribun people still brag about during his term, which was part of a program by the Philippine government, along with the U.S. for International Development; the famous bread was mostly distributed at elementary schools to fight malnutrition among students.
The dark side of the regime
“Kaya tahimik dahil pinapapatay ang mga nag-iingay”. Contrary to peaceful claims during Martial law in the Philippines, silence did not actually equate to peace.
During this era, crime rates may have lessened, but thousands of people were arrested and detained for fighting for democracy.
Based on reports, 70,000 thousand people were jailed, 34,000 people were tortured, and almost 800 Desaparecidos, where Lina Ilagan, a student-activist of UP Los-Baños, was one of them.
Lina was abducted by the military and disappeared in 1977. Her brother, Boni Ilagan, a Martial law victim-survivor, could attest to her sister’s experience.
On July 31, 1977, Boni received a note from his sister telling him to meet her at their usual spot, but there was no Lina who showed up, and that was the last time he heard from her.
The disappearance of Lina Iliagan at that time was not reported since media, newspapers, and even religious publications were shut down— only the Marcos Publications were allowed.
People were barred from expressing their objections and opinions against the government. Upon the declaration of military rule, all publications had to consult the government first before airing the news to the public.
In 1972, Marcos ordered the military to turn down the stations having employees engaged in activities against the government. It led to the unjustifiable shut down of media outlets like ABS-CBN and ABC, where thousands of people lost their jobs, including journalists, writers, and advertisers.
As they say, give credit where it is due. However, we must still never forget the atrocities committed during the so-called golden age of the Philippines.
Marcos and his family indeed left the Filipinos a mark of their regime that people will never forget; up to now, many questions are not yet answered— but Filipinos will continue to seek them until the end.
It may be uncomfortable to face the ugly side of history, but this is to remind us that it all happened. After all, there is only one version of truth, and that should never be a debate.
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