NEWS | Progressives demand justice, register other social concerns at Martial Law 54

Progressive groups marched from Liwasang Bonifacio to Mendiola on Monday, September 21, demanding justice for victims of human rights violations during the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. 

In commemoration of the 54th anniversary since Marcos’ declaration of military rule through Proclamation No. 1081, a year since the historic Baha sa Luneta protest, multisectoral groups flooded the streets of Manila to call for justice and register other social concerns.

Protesters urged Filipinos to never forget and demand justice for the 70,000 people imprisoned, 34,000 tortured, and 3,200 killed during the Marcos regime, according to Amnesty International estimates.

Organized by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN), the program was attended by other groups:

• Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU)

• Makabayang Koalisyon ng Mamamayan (Makabayan)

• Bayan Muna

• Seniors Kontra Kurakot

• Karapatan

• Kalikasan

• Tambisan sa Sining

• Gabriela 

• PISTON

• And students from various universities in Manila

Aside from demanding justice, protesters also amplified their calls on timely societal issues. 

They also renewed their calls of demand for accountability from government officials in relation to the widespread corruption linked to the anomalous flood control projects. People also expressed their strong opposition to the U.S.-led international initiative Pax Silica in New Clark City, Tarlac citing estimates that the proposed project could require around  130 million liters of water and 3 gigawatts of electricity a day. 

Calls for the conviction of Vice President Sara Duterte, who is facing an impeachment trial and grave threats case at the same time, also echoed through the streets. 

Duterte is facing three counts of grave threats in relation to her alleged assassination threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos, and former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez. The grave threats allegation is one of the four articles of impeachment against the vice president. 

Meanwhile, program hosts also questioned the massive presence of police personnel in the demonstration.

“Sa ating mga kapulisan, matapang lang kayo kung mamamayan ang kaharap niyo!” hosts stated. 

They also questioned why authorities had not arrested other individuals facing cases, saying, “Hindi ba may warrant of arrest kay Bato, kay Zaldy Co? Bakit hindi ang libu-libo niyong pulis ang maghanap sa kanila?” 

PUP, COC local protests

Meanwhile, students from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) main campus and College of Communication (COC) also staged local protests within the University premises before marching to the main program at Liwasang Bonifacio and Mendiola. 

Iskolar ng Bayan strongly voiced their opposition to the proposed ₱3.5 billion peso budget for Fiscal Year 2027; demanding a budget for education and not for corruption. 

Communication students from the university also emphasized their calls on press freedom, highlighting cases of journalists Frenchie Mae Cumpio, RJ Ledesma, and Jacob Baluyot. 

Students recalled martial law as the darkest period for the Philippine media as news organizations were shut down, individuals were censored, and journalists were arrested. 

They also asked young media practitioners to hold on to their core and continue reporting facts that keep the people informed. 

Before the program concluded, protesters turned on their flashlights as a symbolism of being one fighting with and for the masses. 

BAYAN announced that the program was a success despite police’s attempt to stop and “negotiate” with the progressive groups along Recto Avenue.

According to several reports, more than 17,000 cops were deployed across Metro Manila during ML54. 

What now?

People’s cry for justice became even louder during this year’s ML commemoration after the Supreme Court overturned former First Lady Imelda Marcos’ 2018 conviction on seven counts of graft involving her alleged financial interests in private foundations in Switzerland.

In a 50-page decision, SC reversed Sandiganbayan’s ruling on September 9, Wednesday, citing the prosecution’s failure to prove Marcos’ guilt beyond reasonable doubt. 

For Martial Law survivors, the acquittal of Marcos in her graft cases involving the transfer of around 200 million dollars to seven Swiss foundations during her time in government is  a spit in the face of the victims. 

SC’s reversal of the anti-graft court’s 2018 decision was one of the highlights of the program, emphasizing the timing of the release of the decision under the administration of Marcos Jr., son of Imelda.  

For the survivors and protesters, the ruling will never erase the suffering of the victims.

Article: Rolan Muyot

Graphics/Illustrations: Janelle Vinluan