By Ria Fernandez
Hundreds of protesters gathered Thursday at Plaza Miranda in front of Quiapo Church in Manila a day before the 46th anniversary of the declaration of the Marcos-era martial law.
Various groups gather at Plaza Miranda a day before the 46th anniversary of former Pres. Ferdinand Marcos' declaration of Martial Law. (photo by Ria Fernandez/ MANILA BULLETIN)
This was to urge the public to defend democracy amid threats to take it away.
"Nawa ay hindi agawin ito sa amin...dapat pangalagaan ang mga biyaya ng Diyos at tutulan, harapin, labanan ang lahat ng mga tatanggal sa mga biyaya (We hope it will not be taken away from us...we must protect blessings from God and oppose, face, fight all those who will try to snatch oir blessings)," said Manila auxiliary bishop Broderick Pabillo during the prayer at the protest dubbed as "Manindigan para sa Demokrasya: A rally for Moral Courage".
The prelate also prayed for the present leaders to listen to the woes of Filipinos.
"Sa halip na paglaruan ang mga institusyon ng bayan dapat din lang nilang pansinin ang mga pangangailangan ng tao...kaya bigyan niyo rin po ng pusong mapagmasid ang aming mga lider upang mapakinggan nila ang aming mga hinihiling (instead of playing with the country's institutions, they must attend to the needs of the people...please give our leaders a sensitive heart so they can listen to our wishes)," he said.
Pabillo was joined by Martial Law victim and former Commission on Human Rights Loretta Rosales, Senator Risa Hontiveros, Akbyan Rep. Tom Villarin, Magdalo 2nd nominee Eugene Gonzales, who all delivered messages.
Some students from the University of the Philippines, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, University of Sto. Tomas, Miriam College, Ateneo de Manila University, and De La Salle University were also present.
The event was marked by the unveiling of a mural of President Rodrigo Duterte, with image of former President Ferdinand Marcos beside him, as "destabilizer-in-chief".
Afterwhich, a ceremonial lighting and passing of torch between Martial Law veterans and millenials followed despite downpour.
Various groups gather at Plaza Miranda a day before the 46th anniversary of former Pres. Ferdinand Marcos' declaration of Martial Law. (photo by Ria Fernandez/ MANILA BULLETIN)
This was to urge the public to defend democracy amid threats to take it away.
"Nawa ay hindi agawin ito sa amin...dapat pangalagaan ang mga biyaya ng Diyos at tutulan, harapin, labanan ang lahat ng mga tatanggal sa mga biyaya (We hope it will not be taken away from us...we must protect blessings from God and oppose, face, fight all those who will try to snatch oir blessings)," said Manila auxiliary bishop Broderick Pabillo during the prayer at the protest dubbed as "Manindigan para sa Demokrasya: A rally for Moral Courage".
The prelate also prayed for the present leaders to listen to the woes of Filipinos.
"Sa halip na paglaruan ang mga institusyon ng bayan dapat din lang nilang pansinin ang mga pangangailangan ng tao...kaya bigyan niyo rin po ng pusong mapagmasid ang aming mga lider upang mapakinggan nila ang aming mga hinihiling (instead of playing with the country's institutions, they must attend to the needs of the people...please give our leaders a sensitive heart so they can listen to our wishes)," he said.
Pabillo was joined by Martial Law victim and former Commission on Human Rights Loretta Rosales, Senator Risa Hontiveros, Akbyan Rep. Tom Villarin, Magdalo 2nd nominee Eugene Gonzales, who all delivered messages.
Some students from the University of the Philippines, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, University of Sto. Tomas, Miriam College, Ateneo de Manila University, and De La Salle University were also present.
The event was marked by the unveiling of a mural of President Rodrigo Duterte, with image of former President Ferdinand Marcos beside him, as "destabilizer-in-chief".
Afterwhich, a ceremonial lighting and passing of torch between Martial Law veterans and millenials followed despite downpour.