Scars That Speak: Remembering Martial Law, Resisting Corruption

Martial Law Revisited: An Era of Repression and Impunity

It has been 53 years since the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. declared Martial Law through Proclamation No. 1081, justifying his actions by citing threats from communist and Islamic insurgencies. Intending to reform society under a system he termed “constitutional authoritarianism,” Marcos Sr. gave himself the power to govern the nation and direct all operations—assuming extensive powers and effectively sidelining the constitution, the judiciary, and the press.


The “New Society” he created, presented as a path to stability and economic reform, became an instrument of widespread political repression, marked by the arbitrary arrest of thousands of dissenters, censorship, military intimidation, violent dispersals, and fear campaigns.


The establishment of Martial Law led to extensive abuses of human rights. The suspension of habeas corpus granted security forces the power to detain individuals without judicial oversight or legal recourse. Within days of Marcos’ proclamation, thousands of his critics were branded as subversives, arrested, and imprisoned without trial.


He purged the bureaucracy and muzzled the press. Official censorship and restrictive licensing measures undermined credibility, while relatives and allies of the Marcos family set up their own television networks, radio stations, and newspapers. These outlets served as tools to attack their opponents and cultivate loyalty to the regime. Criticism of the president, First Lady Imelda Marcos, the government, or the military was forbidden. This climate of secrecy and deception concealed the corruption, embezzlement, and abuses of the First Family and wove a cloak of privilege and impunity around their cronies and lapdogs.


Battles of the Present: The Struggle Against Corruption Lives On

The trauma experienced by the country under Marcos’ dictatorship is one of our most powerful cultural memories—a national symbol of strength that is anchored not merely in reminiscing the past, but in using the lessons of those experiences to avoid repeating the same mistakes.


However, the “ghost” flood projects now on the country’s center stage seem to be a real blast from the past—another wave of corruption, mismanagement, and irregularities; abuse of power; self-serving biases and attributions; and neglect that leave the nation and its people paralyzed.


Today, on the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law—as public outrage over the flood control controversy continues—protests in cities and provinces across the country have been organized. In Manila, demonstrators are set to assemble at Luneta Park starting at 9 AM to protest corruption and impunity. By afternoon, religious leaders and civil society organizations will spearhead the “Trillion Peso March” at the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City. Coordinated by Catholic and Protestant coalitions, the movement aims to strengthen demands for transparency, justice, and accountability.


The billions of pesos mismanaged and stolen from flood control projects are not mere figures; they represent wrecked homes, stolen dreams, displaced families, lives lost, destroyed livelihoods, and bleak futures. They are not just numbers—they are offenses against the poor and the nation.


Each year on September 21, various groups observe the anniversary by staging protests denouncing the human rights violations committed under Martial Law. According to Amnesty International, over 107,000 people fell victim during that era, with thousands subjected to extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and torture—highlighting the relevance of this year’s rallies in pressing for justice.


The International Day of Peace is also observed around the world. This United Nations resolution provides a globally shared date for all humanity to place peace above differences and contribute to fostering a culture of peace. Isn’t it grimly ironic how the rest of the world is celebrating this day in their own creative and meaningful ways, while we are here—not rejoicing in peace but reminiscing the horrors of Martial Law under Marcos’ ferocious dictatorship? However, this year’s theme, “Act Now for a Peaceful World,” not only overlaps with the 53rd Martial Law anniversary and the series of protests all across the country in date but also in spirit and purpose. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that “we all have the power to help silence guns, build bridges, and plant the seeds of lasting change.”


In Truth, We Rise

Martial Law curtailed people’s freedom. The abuse of power, lack of transparency, and human rights violations left a stain that will never be erased, scars that will never be healed. This day, as Bishop Ruperto Cruz Santos of Antipolo said, the country’s young people will “rise again, not in violence, but in truth.”


As the campaign against corruption gains national momentum and public anger reaches a boiling point, this day will become a testament to our strength and a call to amplify our resolve never again to be subjected to subjugation and repression. Fifty-three years have passed since the page that opened one of the darkest chapters in our history was turned, yet the pain of that past still lingers. However, no matter how painful and tragic those years were, we must not forget. We must never forget. To forget is to deny the power we hold today. To forget is to deny the present the future it deserves.



Editorial by Pia Natalie Daymiel

Illustration by Ma. Colene Encarnado