Fifty-three years ago today, Martial Law was signed, plunging the Philippines into a dark era of dictatorship, repression, and massive corruption. That regime ended with the 1986 People Power Revolution — a historic movement that proved the strength of ordinary Filipinos to stand against tyranny. Now, the same spirit of resistance is being revived — this time, in the face of a new wave of corruption scandals under the administration of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., son of the late dictator.

On September 21, 1972, Proclamation No. 1081 was signed into law by former President Ferdinand Marcos, marking the beginning of a fourteen-year period of one-man rule, which effectively lasted until the family of Marcos was exiled from the country on February 25, 1986. 

This period was marked with political repression, human rights violations, and also a massive corruption which remains widely relevant today. 

More than 5 decades later, under the regime of the former president‘s son, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., a recent scandal of massive corruption in flood control projects has been exposed. 

As the nation marks the anniversary of Martial Law, thousands of people are expected to join in what has been dubbed as "Trillion Peso March“. This mass protest is fueled by the perceived corruption that is estimated to be as much as ₱1.089 Trillion, skimmed from climate-related projects since 2023.

President Bongbong Marcos, has supported this motion with a statement stating he would have been in the streets with the people rallying if he weren’t the president. However, the President‘s bravado did not resonate with the angry Filipinos for his words do not hold the same weight of outrage as millions of Filipinos affected. Moreover, his cousin House Speaker Martin Romualdez and close ally Representative Zaldy Co are among those allegedly involved in the anomalous flood control projects.

With nationwide protests underway, countless organizations have joined forces to denounce corruption in flood control projects. Some of the biggest rallies are happening today: at Luneta in Manila starting at 9 a.m., and at 2 p.m. at the People Power Monument in Quezon City.

This rally is not only about one project, it is to condemn a system that continues to allow corruption to thrive while Filipinos suffer from the consequences of neglect.

September 21 is not just about remembering the horrors of the past. It is also about affirming that we truly carry the lessons to the present. To march today is to declare that never again shall we allow corruption and abuse of power to dictate the course of our nation’s future.

Because the fight for accountability did not end in 1986, and the march toward a nation where freedom and integrity reign continues to be pursued by Filipinos.

via Ian Cornelio

The Envergan — In Pursuit of Perspectives.