Amnesty International Philippines Solidarity Statement on the Commemoration of the 53rd anniversary of the Declaration on Martial Law
Today, Filipinos once again commemorate a dark time in Philippine history in honor of rights defenders and their families who endured repression, corruption, and grave human rights abuses under Marcos’ Martial Law. Their sacrifices remind us of the high cost of speaking up and standing strong against injustices of an authoritarian regime, and how the power of collective action spurs resistance towards freedom where no one gets left behind.
This year’s commemoration is also a reminder of grassroots activism confronting social ills brought about by Marcos’ dictatorship. 53 years after, corruption issues, abuse of power, and the culture of impunity continue to deprive Filipinos of basic economic, social, and cultural rights, specifically essential social services to be able to live a life with dignity. Bad governance weakens institutions, endangering countless Filipinos especially those who are most vulnerable.
Our social security is at its most fragile and while those in power exploit the country’s coffers, they fail at the same time in guaranteeing crucial social protections for all, that could have provided a degree of predictability, which is valuable during turbulent times such as a global climate crisis both at the individual and community level. This is history repeating itself, and Filipinos have had enough.
Amnesty International Philippines stand in solidarity with individuals and groups who continue to resist corruption, economic challenges and poor public service. The nationwide protests that’s been happening reflects the widespread frustration, when basic needs are not met, just like in the 70s, people will turn to the streets to protest and call for accountability.
Amnesty International Philippines stand in solidarity with individuals and groups who continue to resist corruption, economic challenges and poor public service. The nationwide protests that’s been happening reflects the widespread frustration, when basic needs are not met, just like in the 70s, people will turn to the streets to protest and call for accountability.
Filipinos have made it clear that what the nation needs are urgent measures to address the pervasive culture of impunity that continues to fuel corruption, contributing to further violations of human rights. Marcos Jr’s government must strengthen all national legal and institutional frameworks for fighting corruption and enhancing accountability for corruption offenses to curb the culture of excess that his father’s dictatorship left the Filipinos with, after their family’s years of exploitation of Philippine resources and our hard-earned taxes.
Never Again! Never Forget.