54 Years After Martial Law Declaration, Groups Urge 'Never Again' to Abuses

Fifty-four years after the declaration of martial law under the regime of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., human rights groups, church members, and various sectors said Filipinos must continue to defend their right to protest and speak out against corruption, human rights violations, and abuses of power. They emphasized the importance of "never again, never forget" by reiterating the need to protect fundamental rights such as freedom of expression and assembly. This underscores the necessity for civil society to remain vigilant against power and to maintain its capacity to speak out against injustices, which are foundational to Philippine democracy. This commemoration serves as a reminder of a dark chapter in the Philippines' modern history and an opportunity to re-emphasize the significance of individual citizens recognizing and exercising their rights. It particularly urges the younger generation to learn from the past and fulfill their responsibility in building a free and just society for future generations.