The National Guilder

21/10/2022

PANOORIN: Pagtatapos ng isinagawang programa para sa Buwan ng mga pesante.

Makikitang mga naka-riot gear ang mga pulis, samantalang payapa namang nagsasagawa ng programa ang mga nagproprotesta.

21/10/2022

TIGNAN: Mga litrato sa isinasagawang programa para sa Buwan ng mga pesante ng mga progresibo’t multi-sektoral na grupo sa Recto Avenue.

Ilan sa mga biitbit na panawagan ay ang pagbasura sa CARP, pagtigil sa paninikil sa mga magsasaka at pagsasampa ng mga gawa-gawang kaso.

Bitbit din ng KARAPATAN-Metro Manila ang panawagang bigyang hustisya ang kamatayan ni Baby River—na anak ni Reina Mae Nasino na kasalukuyang nakakulong dahil sa gawa-gawang kaso.

21/10/2022

TIGNAN: Kasalukuyang nagsasagawa ng programa ang iba’t-ibang multisektoral at progresibong grupo sa Recto Avenue sa paggunita ng buwan ng mga Pesante.

Makikita rin ang presensya ng kapulisan sa payapang protesta.

25/07/2022

MGA LARAWAN: Kaganapan sa “State of the People’s Address (SOPA).”

Tampok sa SOPA ang effigy na “Mad in Malacañang,” na sumisimbolo sa mga karangyaan ng pamilyang Marcos.

Samantala, dumalo rin ang iba’t-ibang progresibo at ilang multi-sektoral na grupo, bitbit ang kanilang mga panawagan sa pag-asang didinggin ito ng kasalalukuyang rehimen.

25/07/2022

TIGNAN: kasalukuyang isinasagawa ng Timog Katagalugan ang kanilang ’lakbayan’ na may layong itakwil ang pasistang tambalan ng Marcos-Duterte.

21/07/2022

MGA LARAWAN: Matapos ang press conference para sa kampanya sa darating na paggunita sa ika-50 na anibersaryo ng Martial law na isinagawa ng mga iba’t-ibang grupo sa Quezon City Sports Club ay namataan ang grupo ng mga pulis sa labas ng nasabing venue.

Kaya naman, nag martiya ang ilang indibidwal, kabataan, Martial law survivors, at victims upang ipakita na hindi sila muling magpapagapi sa presensya ng mga pulis at militar—na kung saa’y nuong panahon ng Martial law ay lubhang naging mapang-abuso sa masang Pilipino

21/07/2022

TIGNAN: Nagtipon ang iba’t-ibang grupo upang ilungsad ang kampanya sa paggunita ng ika-50 na anibersaryo ng Martial law.

02/07/2022

Love thy Mother: The manifestations of the Edifice Complex
by Dan Laurenz Sipalay

The infamous philosopher Sun Tzu once said, “Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak.” Such strategy relies on deception and fraudulence in the grand scheme of things— a trait that is shared by the Edifice complex. Think of it as overcompensation: using your strengths in order to hide your weaknesses. Only this time, the strength of a country ruled by kleptocrats is a mere facade.

Associated with former First Lady Imelda Romualdez-Marcos, the term ‘edifice complex’ was independently coined in the 1970s by Benjamin H. Cervantes in order to criticize the construction of the controversial Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). The project was planned and executed against the backdrop of the 1969 Presidential Elections,in which Ferdinand Marcos Sr. would win later on.

You see, Mr. and Mrs. Marcos went on with the narrative that the myriad of infrastructure projects signify change and progress. It’s like holding up a sign that says, “This is where your taxes go”, but in reality, it’s all just for show.

One big illusion

Philippine Heart Center, San Juanico Bridge, Bataan Nuclear Power Plant—these are just some of the mega infrastructure projects that the ‘power couple’ completed when they were at the height of their power. Funded by foreign loans with payment deadlines that extend far beyond the President’s term, these construction projects were used as effective political and election propaganda.

It works much like a smokescreen – once you blow off the smoke, you will see that there is nothing left. Such extravagance cannot hide the fact that millions of Filipinos have been robbed by a single-family. Imelda Marcos, the so-called ‘Iron Butterfly’ due to her over-the-top taste in dresses, has been labeled as out of touch with the Filipino poor.

In one instance, Mrs. Marcos commissioned and supervised the construction of the Coconut Palace in order to serve as a papal abode for Pope John Paul II during his visit to the Philippines in 1978. However, the Pope refused to stay at such an extravagant accommodation given the level of poverty in the Philippines.

In a show of power and wealth, Imelda even leveled a mountain in order to make room for an elevated mansion. Construction of the so-called Palace in the Sky began in 1981 and was hastened when United States President Ronald Reagan announced his intention to visit the Philippines in November of 1983. Then, he canceled his trip to the country, and work on the palace immediately stopped. With the scaffolding completely intact, the place was opened for public viewing, with critics referring to the unfinished mansion as a symbol and a proof of the extravagance displayed by the Marcos regime.

To be Imeldific

Going on a shopping spree is reserved for the middle class. Going on a shopping spree in New York City is an activity for the elite. Going for a shopping spree in New York City using public funds is quite Imeldific—yes, this is a term that describes the behavior of Imelda Marcos then and now. Using fake overseas bank accounts, the Marcos family utilized public funds in order to finance their needs and wants.

In fact, the issue that is often associated with Mrs. Marcos is her extravagant collection of 3,000 designer shoes. In addition to this, the Marcos estate is full of original paintings and sculptures, with the majority of them being seized by the Presidential Commission on Good Governance (PCGG).

Speaking of style, the Brutalist style of architecture is closely associated with the mega infrastructure projects of the Marcos regime. Most buildings constructed in that era were considered primary examples of this distinct style, wherein the interesting part is that nobody knows the reason why this style of architecture was chosen by Mrs. Marcos. There are speculations that Brutalist architecture was chosen in order to emphasize and represent the grandiose characteristics of the regime. As Brutalist architecture is known for its high design for a low building cost, others think that they did it in order to embezzle more money,

The second coming

The ironic thing is that the evidence of the excess spending during the regime of the father would pave the way for the son. Described as achievements and accomplishments of the so-called golden years, the Marcos family succeeded in changing the narrative and portrayed themselves as the oppressed rather than the oppressors.

The sad thing is, many of the voters perceived the myriad of mega infrastructure projects as the reason why they voted for Ferdinand Marcos Jr., popularly known as BongBong Marcos or BBM, in the first place. Often citing the social media sites such as TikTok and Facebook as their primary sources of information, these Marcos loyalists cheered for the second coming of the Marcos family.

So what can we expect now that the Marcoses are back in power? Nothing. The fact that BBM does not view the actions of his parents as sinful and wrong tells you all that you need to know. If something is not broken, then why fix it? If something is not wrong, then why change it? What we can expect, however, is that Junior will execute the same tricks proven and tested by his parents. He may even create his own smokescreen, wherein once you blow off the smoke, you will find that everything is gone.

“Perception is real, (and the) truth is not. I’m not fighting for money and possessions. I’m fighting for something more precious. I pray that as we enter the cyber age–the Age of Transparency–the facts and the truth will (come) out.” — Imelda Romualdez-Marcos

30/06/2022

Painful Freedom
by Micah Joyce Guillermo

Why do we get the impression that freedom is something that suffocates us, slowly consumes us, and establishes parameters within which we must live? Every advancement we make toward achieving our independence makes a shade of repercussion. In today's world, coming to terms with who you truly are entailed confronting challenges. Freedom is not meant to be a painful experience, simply because it challenges the heteronormative values upheld by the conventions.

Even though the month of June is on its end, the spirit of Pride will continue to shine — brazenly, brilliantly, and across the entire spectrum — until the following June arrives. But any member of the LGBTQIA+ community will tell you that getting here has been and continues to be a long, often arduous road; one that has been littered with difficulties and challenges along the way— in which this journey has been paved with obstacles and challenges, however is still being conquered and fought for.

Le***an, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month (LGBT Pride Month) is observed annually in June to commemorate the riots that took place at Stonewall in 1969. This month is also dedicated to working toward the goal of achieving equal justice and equal opportunity for le***an, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) citizens of the United States. An uprising led by patrons and supporters of the bar took place at the Stonewall Inn in New York City in June of 1969. The purpose of the insurgence was to protest the widespread harassment and persecution of LGBT people in the United States by law enforcement. This rebellion represents the beginning of a campaign to ban laws and behaviors in the United States that are discriminatory against LGBT citizens.

The activities that take place today include pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia, and concerts. LGBT Pride Month events attract millions of participants all over the world. During this month, memorial services are performed in honor of those members of the community who have passed away as a result of hate crimes or HIV/AIDS. The objective of the observance month is to bring attention to the influence which members of the LGBTQ community have had on history at the local, national, and worldwide levels.

Numerous national advocacy and other organizations, in addition to the federal government and municipal governments, are providing LGBTQ youth a larger amount of attention in their work. Additionally, federal and local policies and practices are increasingly acknowledging and focusing on LGBTQ youth. The promotion of greater acceptance and support for all youth, including those who identify as or are perceived to identify as LGBTQ, will result in the creation of communities, schools, and other settings that are safer and better for all youngsters.

Many people view Pride Month and the Pride March as something more than simply a celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community. However, it is also a kind of protest, a way of speaking out on the community’s problems, particularly in fighting for the rights of every member of the community, the majority of whom continue to endure discrimination and persecution due to their gender or sexual orientation.

No one, regardless of their gender, should be denied the right to have freedom— the fundamental human right. Each one of us deserve the freedom to live our lives, free from the influence of others' opinions, and without being subjected to prejudice or discrimination. Our perceptions can shape the world around us. Fear should not be a factor of failing, combined with false idealism paralyzing us. Let us adhere to the highest in everything that we do and never stop believing that one day, be free from all suffering and confinement.

17/06/2022

Abangan si Brian Razon sa ng Ang Pahayagang Plaridel!

17/06/2022

Abangan ang pagtalakay ni RG Cruz, isang Political Correspondent ng ABS-CBN News ukol sa epektibong pagsisiwalat ng panawagan ng minorya sa gitna ng talamak na disimpormasyon sa bansa.

Abangan ang pagtalakay ni RG Cruz, isang Political Correspondent ng ABS-CBN News ukol sa epektibong pagsisiwalat ng panawagan ng minorya sa gitna ng talamak na disimpormasyon sa bansa.

Bilang mamamahayag, bihasa si Cruz sa News Writing, Breaking News, Editing, Feature Writing, at Radio Broadcasting.

Makiisa sa sa pamamagitan ng pagpaparehistro sa https://bit.ly/APPBayLayn2022.

Magkita-kita tayo sa Hunyo 18!

17/06/2022

Kilalanin si Mara Cepeda, mamamahayag ng Rappler, ang unang panauhing tagapagsalita para sa BayLayn 2022. Bilang mamamahayag, matapang siyang nagsusulat ng mga artikulo hinggil sa politika, lokal na gobyerno, at karapatan ng kababaihan.

Kilalanin si Mara Cepeda, mamamahayag ng Rappler, ang unang panauhing tagapagsalita para sa BayLayn 2022. Bilang mamamahayag, matapang siyang nagsusulat ng mga artikulo hinggil sa politika, lokal na gobyerno, at karapatan ng kababaihan.

Samahan kaming tuklasin ang mga sagot sa mga katanungang, kagaya ng:
1) Sa kasalukuyang politikal na klima, paano nga ba ginagampanan ni Bb. Cepeda ang tungkulin ng isang mamamahayag sa gitna ng paniniil?
2) Ano ang responsibilidad na nakaatas sa midya hinggil sa pagpapalawig ng panawagan ng mga minorya?
3) Bilang mga mamamahayag, ano ang gampanin natin sa pagsisiwalat ng katotohanan hinggil sa mga isyung panlipunan?

Sumubaybay sa upang mas mapalawig ang kaalaman sa pamamahayag at pagsulong ng katotohanan sa gitna ng mga banta sa ating karapatang mamamahayag.

Nananatiling bukas ang rehistrasyon para sa BayLayn, magtungo lamang sa https://bit.ly/APPBayLayn2022.

17/06/2022

PRESS RELEASE: Sa ika-18 taon ng Para sa Bayan at Lasalyano (BayLayn), nananatili itong mapagmulat, progresibo, at tapat sa adhikaing paigtingin at hubugin ang kaalaman ng mga mamamahayag pangkampus ukol sa mga isyung pangkampus at panlipunan.

Ngayong taon, iikot ang programa sa temang “Progresibong Pamamahayag: Gampanin ng Midya sa Pagpapalawig ng Panawagan ng Masa.” Bubuuin ito ng dalawang Big Talk na pangungunahan nina RG Cruz at Mara Cepeda at maikling talakayan kasama sina Brian Razon, Carwyn Candila, Mayka, at Jaime Paglinawan. Pag-uusapan ang iba't ibang panawagan ng mga sektor ng lipunan at ang gampanin ng midya sa progresibong pamamahayag.

Huwag ding palagpasin ang espesyal na pagtatanghal ng Munimuni at Giro and friends sa darating na BayLayn. Makiisa sa himig ng musika sa gitna ng mga diskusyon.

Samahan ninyo kami sa darating na Hunyo 18 sa Zoom at FB Live. Manatiling nakasubaybay sa BayLayn page at sa Twitter para sa iba pang mga impormasyon.

Tara na at samahan kami sa pagsulong para sa progresibong pamamahayag.

14/06/2022

Suporta, hindi politika
ni: Rodolfo Dacleson II

Dugo't pawis ang puhunan ng mga atletang Pilipino upang makapagbigay ng karangalan sa ating bansa. Hindi madaling manalo lalo na't matitikas ang mga katunggaling banyaga—armado ng karanasan at kahandaan—kaya't marapat lang na paglaanan ng pondo at suporta ang bawat Juan Dela Cruz na ibabandera ang watawat ng Pilipinas sa continental competitions man iyan o pandaigdigang entablado para tumaas ang tsansa nilang manalo.

Tagapag-isa rin ng bayan ang isports kung susumahin dahil kakayahan at kahusayan ang magpapanalo sa iyo sa larangang ito. Wala ito sa mahirap o mayaman ka, maitim o maputi, mapayat o mataba at iba pang mga magkakasalungat na pagkukumpara. Gayunpaman, sa danas ng ating mga manlalaro, tila hindi lamang tiga-ibayong dagat ang kanilang katipan, kundi pati na rin ang pamahalaan at mga kababayan. Kapag hinaluan ng politika ang basketbol at iba pang disiplina, mapait ang nagiging timplada.

Narito ang ilang halimbawa.

Nasaksihan ng Pinoy fans kung paano bumagsak ang minamahal nilang Gilas Pilipinas sa gold medal match kontra Indonesia sa Southeast Asian Games 2021. Ang tinitingnang dahilan nito: ang lantad na kapabayaan ng Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).

Naging habit na kasi ng SBP na kung kailan malapit na ang isang international competition, saka lamang sila kikilos upang bumuo ng ipapadalang koponan dito. Nawawalan tuloy ng oras upang mapili ang best-of-the-best players na akma sa sistemang papatakbuhin ng itinalagang coach, at syempre, ang pagtatalaga sa mentor na gagabay sa koponan. Nagmumukhang hindi rin cooperative ang Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) dahil kailangan munang matapos ang kumperensya bago maipahiram ng kanilang mother teams ang players na makatutulong sana sa ating kampanya, particular na ng mga naglalaro pa sa finals.

Kitang-kita sa laro ng Pinoy cagers ang kawalang chemistry sa isa't isa bukod pa sa maalat na shooting at mahinang ball movement na kumitil sa talentong mayroon ang Gilas. Suntok na maituturing sa pride ng bansa natin ang pagkatalong ito dahil basketball country tayo saka ika-14 sunod na gintong medalya ang nakataya sa SEAG 2021. Kaso, nangyari ang hindi inaasahan.

Kamakailan lang, naging maugong na balita rin ang nangyaring sigalot sa pagitan ng kasalukuyang hari ng pole vaulting sa Asya na si EJ Obiena at Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA). Inakusahan lang naman ng PATAFA na hindi umano pinapasahod ni Obiena ang kanyang coach na si Vitaly Petrov at pineke rin daw nito ang liquidation documents. Dahil dito, hindi nakasali sa World Athletics Indoor Championships sa Belgrade, Serbia at Muntik pang hindi madepensahan ng world no. 5 pole vaulter ang kanyang korona sa SEAGames. Mabuti na nga lamang at pumagitna ang Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) at nabuo ang lamat sa pagitan ng dalawang panig.

Hindi rin mawawala sa listahang ito ang kauna-unahang Olympic gold medalist ng Pilipinas na si Hidilyn Diaz. Nakatikim siya ng pamamahiya at pambubuska sa supporters ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte matapos mapabilang ang kanyang pangalan sa mga 'di umano'y naghahangad pabagsakin ang pamahalaan. Imbis na suporta, trolling din ang natamo ng tubong Zamboanga dahil humingi siya ng tulong pinansiyal sa publiko. Anila, wala ba raw naipon si Diaz kaya nanlilimos siya. Ngunit, nang magwagi naman ito sa quadrennial meet, puro papuri ang ibinalik nila na mukhang may nakalimutan yata. Para bang walang kasalanan at ang dali na lang mag-move on.

Talo ang Gilas, nagkaroon ng walang basehang alegasyon kontra kay Obiena at pagdawit kay Diaz sa makakaliwang grupo, magkakaiba man ngunit iisa ang pinupunto: pinopolitika ang mga atleta. Kaya't hindi kataka-takang hindi maganda ang nagiging resulta. Masama pa nito, laging sa manlalaro nabubunton ang sisi dahil sila nga naman ang nasa playing court. Ngunit, hindi ibig sabihin nito, walang mga salik off the court na maaaring makaaapekto sa kanilang performance. Pagod na nga sa ensayo, papagurin pa ng kanilang national sport associations (NSAs) sa pag-asikaso ng iba't ibang dokumento na dapat sila mismo ang umaayos.

Hindi ito isports lang. Dala ng bawat atletang Pilipino ang kuwento ng masang nagsusumikap at nakikipagpatintero sa hirap at gutom sa araw-araw. Dapat panagutin ang mga dapat managot. Dapat kalampagin ang sinumang tahasang inuuna ang personal na interes imbis na atupaging manaig sa bawat tournament na sasalihan. Walang lugar sa isports ang kahit na sinong walang balak manalo. Kaisa dapat ng manlalarong Pinoy ang taumbayan sa pagboses sa kanilang mga hinaing.

Marahil, dahil kung hindi, mawawalan tayong muli ng isang Wesley So, tatanda ang ating mga atleta ng walang natamo para sa bansa at paulit-ulit tayong madidismaya. dapat tayo!

12/06/2022

Our flag, song, and hard-earned freedom
By Jonesha Christiane A. Alvarado

A nation with a flag that it can proudly wave the colors of its spirit, an anthem that the lips of its people will never forget, and freedom that its future generations can thrive in is how our patriotic ancestors defined and dreamed of the ideal Philippines. It was, in fact, a bittersweet dream for these Filipinos, for they had to taste the bitterness of blood and hardships for the future generations of their beloved Philippines to taste the sweetness of independence—which they sadly never got to witness anymore.

On this day, June 12, our nation's flag first showed off its symbolistic colors, and the national anthem we all know by heart as its children first played for its people to hear. These are what our national heroes wanted for our nation. And the future generations whom our country's brave ancestors wanted to live their dream of an independent Philippines include us.

Today, as we celebrate our country's 124th anniversary of its proclaimed independence, let us commemorate the stories that paved the way for some of the most significant chapters of our nation's history: the birth of our flag, the national anthem, and our freedom.

As we all know, bold colors of red, blue, yellow, and white, and symbols meant to remind each Filipino of some of the most remarkable Filipino virtues and parts of our history came together to make up the Philippine flag. Then-president Emilio Aguinaldo came up with the flag's design, and Marcela Agoncillo, the woman we know as "The Mother of the Philippine Flag," worked on the flag with her assistants in Hongkong for five days. The flag and its elements we are familiar with came to be.

In our national flag, the white triangle symbolizing equality, fraternity, and liberty embraces the golden sun standing for unity, freedom, people's democracy, and sovereignty. The sun holds the hands of its eight rays representing the first eight provinces that stood against the Spaniards, including Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Batangas, Laguna, and Nueva Ecija. The three stars symbolizing Luzon, Panay (geographically but wasn't officially recognized as Visayas back then), and Mindanao align with the white triangle and surround the sun and its rays. It has red and blue as its primary colors (literally); red stands for courage and patriotism, while blue, alongside red, reminds us of peace, freedom, and justice, the virtues our country currently needs to defend.

Having a national flag was a big step in our country becoming officially independent, so why not pair it with a national anthem about love and sacrifice? The then-march song Marcha Nacional Filipina (Philippine National March) took a while before evolving into Lupang Hinirang, the national anthem we know and sing today. When Marcha Nacional Filipina first played on this day in 1898, it only had a melody composed by Julian Felipe. Lupang Hinirang finally had a partner of lyrics later when Felipe had the 23-year-old soldier and poet Jose Palma's poem "Filipinas" become the lyrics of his melody.

Our national anthem went through several suppressions under the rule of the United States. But when the US finally let go of the Philippines, our ancestors could finally sing our song freely again.

The then-Commonwealth of the Philippines officially became free from the Americans, our last conquerors, and became an independent nation, the Republic of the Philippines, on the 4th of July, 1946.

But why do we continue to mark June 12, 1898, our Independence Day? Late president Diosdado Macapagal believed that only the nation itself could decide on the recognition of its independence (because the 4th of July is for the USA), and he would like to follow Gen. Aguinaldo's declaration of June 12 as the Independence Day. Thus, he declared this day—today, as the country's day to celebrate its freedom in 1962 and later passed the Republic Act 4166 in 1964 to make his declaration official.

Nevertheless, the battle against the dark to defend the light of our country's democracy didn't end in 1898; the fight to promote peace, justice, and freedom—the virtues the blue in our flag highlights, lasts to this day. We may still be enjoying the freedom our patriotic ancestors sacrificed their lives for, but we are entering an era of uncertainty about the future of our country's democracy.

As we look back at the Philippines' first taste of liberty, may today remind us to be grateful for the independence we have today and inspire us to have courage and patriotism to become ideal citizens for our country's better tomorrow.

To thank our brave ancestors for their patriotic sacrifices and to set an ideal example for future generations, let us continue to embrace and fight for our motherland's flag, song, and hard-earned freedom.

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10/06/2022

TULONG, GUILDERS!

Siyam na mamamahayag pang-kampus, anim mula sa College Editors Guild of the Philippines-Central Luzon, ang nangangailangan ng tulong pampiyansa matapos iligal na arestuhin kahapon sa bungkalan sa Hacienda Tinang, Concepcion, Tarlac.

Para sa mga nais magpaabot, ipadala lamang ito sa:

GCash: 09971309914 (Alexis M)

01/06/2022

30/05/2022

Among the witnesses of the dark
By Jonesha Christiane A. Alvarado

The landslide win of President-elect Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. holding 31M votes, used its other hand to paint yet another living nightmare for open-eyed witnesses of the late Ferdinand Marcos, Sr.'s regime and the heartbroken loved ones of those harmed during the period. And, despite their nonexistence from our world during the Martial Law era, the fearful youth cannot even dare imagine spending the next six years of their lives under the rule of uncertainty—and now, a dictator's son.

While the shaken, open-eyed Filipinos once again scream the names of the Martial Law victims' souls, JL Burgos, whose two eyes are one of those that have witnessed one of our country's darkest eras, shared his story on social media.

Although JL wasn't one of the direct victims during the Martial Law period, he experienced one of the worst a Filipino living during the Marcos regime could—to lose not one but two family members: his father, Jose Burgos, Jr., and his brother, Burgos Jr. was arrested; following the forced shut down of his vocal newspaper publication, his belongings were seized.

The terror, however, didn't end in 1986; JL's brother Jonas disappeared on the 28th of April, 2007.

JL's painful story was only one of the countless during the Marcos era; the open-eyed, while they can access these, can reread them before another Marcos officially becomes the president. But some, sadly, followed their narrators to the unknown, with no one to find out about them.

Moreover, Bongbong Marcos Jr. coming close to the president's seat pushes our country to get closer to reliving the nightmare from around forty years ago. Though there may be a little chance of it not being as deadly as his father's, the probability of this chance is like that of a string of yarn successfully going into a needle's hole.

Aside from making promises to Filipinos for his upcoming presidency, Marcos hinted at his plans to form good relationships with neighboring and allied nations, including China. And contrary to the Dutertes, who focused on provincial politics, the Marcoses would likely welcome engagement with the West.

Nevertheless, the presidency of a man who sees nothing wrong with the deadly actions of his late father during the Philippines' dark days and is behind the constant spread of false information is a threat to our nation's well-being.

With a more open chance of historical revisionism as the Marcoses continue to beautify their disreputable family name with deceitful and fictitious narrative, the long-term run of Philippine democracy is once again in danger.

Especially during our country's current state, Philippine democracy is more precious than ever. The disappearance of our freedom of speech also means the eventual burial of the stories from the dark days of Ferdinand Marcos' Philippines, including that of the Burgos family.

With all the hope in the world, may the nation’s fall under the Marcos’ rule not reoccur in front of the witnesses' eyes. And may the youth not taste the possible repetition of an era that dipped the Philippine justice system into utter bitterness.