Vice President Leni Robredo on Tuesday warned Filipinos of platforms that are being bought to white wash how Filipinos suffered and are still suffering from late dictator Ferdinand Marcos’ rule, 49 years since he placed the country under martial law.
In commemoration of the martial law declaration, Robredo reminded the public of the dangers of keeping silent, urging them to speak up if they don't want to let money and power take over and rewrite history.
“Kapag nanahimik tayo, kapag hindi natin pinadaloy ang naratibo sa sari-sarili nating mga espasyo, pera at kapangyarihan ang magdidikta ng kasaysayan," she said.
“Kailangan nating ulit-ulitin sa bawat pagkakataon, ang katotohanan: Sa ilalim ng rehimeng Marcos, nagdusa ang Pilipino—ninakawan, tinorture, at pinaslang; ginamit ang ngalan para ibaon ang bansa sa utang, at pagbabayaran ang utang na ito hanggang sa mga susunod pang henerasyon,” she added.
Last week, actress and host Toni Gonzaga was criticized for lending her platform to the late dictator's only son, former senator Bongbong Marcos who was Robredo's opponent in the 2016 elections. On Gonzaga's channel, where she has 4 million subscribers, Marcos Jr. freely spoke of his father's supposed greatness.
According to Robredo, the country's current situation reminds everyone that memories fade; and sometimes, platforms are bought to erase the past.
“Ipinapaalala sa atin ng kasalukuyang situwasyon, kung kailan malinaw ang pagsisikap na baluktutin ang katotohanan ng malagim na kabanatang iyon. Kumukupas ang alaala. Kung minsan, nabibili ang plataporma, ang kuwento, nabubura,” she said, adding that the system of politics that prevailed in the past is still present until today, still victimizing many Filipinos.
"Diktador si Marcos at hindi niya napagbayaran ang krimen niya. Katunayan, patuloy ang pagkakasasa ng kanyang angkan sa kayamanang ninakaw niya sa atin," Robredo said.
For the vice president, defending history is among the most important work Filipinos must put in.
"Sa ganitong paraan, nagiging mas buo ang pagkabansa natin. Bansang binibigkis ng mga katotohanang pinagdaanan ng mga nauna sa atin. Bansang handang gawing instrumento ang nakaraan upang maitawid ang sarili sa mga hamon ng kasulukuyan," she said.
"Kasama ninyo ako sa pagpalag, sa pagbantay, at sa pag-giit. Pilipino ang susulat ng kwentong Pilipino," she added.
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