Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Takes a Gallant Stand for His Dad’s Martial‑Law Legacy
On Tuesday, September 13, the new Philippine president, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., stepped into the spotlight to defend his late father’s decision to lock down the country under martial law in the mid‑1980s. He argued it was a necessary move to fend off both communist insurgents and separatist rebels.
Why a Country Needs a “Blanket” of Martial Law
Marcos Jr. clarified that his father didn’t lock the nation down to stay in power. Instead, he said: “Martial law was declared because of the wars—on two fronts.” The 1970s saw the Philippines battling both Communist insurgents and various separatist groups. The president framed his actions as the government’s duty to defend itself, not a political power grab.
Timing Against the 50th‑Anniversary
- Veterans of human‑rights abuses and victims alike are set to observe the 50th anniversary of martial law on September 21.
- Marcos Jr.’s comments echo the fears that he might not be all that different from the authoritarian era of his father.
The Family’s Red Carpet Comeback
After the 1986 People Power Revolution toppled Ferdinand Marcos Sr., his family fled the Philippines. By 1989, he died in exile on a Hawaiian beach while his relatives regrouped. Fast‑forward to 2016: a fresh generation of Marcos’ kids ran campaigns and eventually secured electoral victory in May.
The Legacy Wallet
Decades later, the Philippine government has refunded more than 11,000 martyrs of martial law. The reparations come from part of the billions in wealth plundered during Marcos Sr.’s 20‑year rule—an era widely described as a textbook case of kleptocracy.
Personal Touch: A Visit to the Grave
In a heartfelt moment following his presidential win, Marcos Jr. went to his father’s grave. He called on his late father for guidance, saying, “I’ll use everything I learned from you to continue your work.”
Critics Cast a Dim Light
Bonifacio Ilagan—who survived jail and torture during martial law—convinced that the regime’s 14‑year hold reflected more than an emergency. He accused Marcos Jr. of riding on “false narratives” and negative historical revisionism.
Looking Ahead
The newly elected president’s remarks may heighten concerns that the Philippines will slide back toward an authoritarian model. Citizens, historians, and former victims alike will watch closely to see whether the nation can truly break from its past without stumbling into a repeat of the past.
