Opposition senators urged Filipinos today not to waver in seeking justice for victims of atrocities during martial law and fighting against any effort at historical revisionism.
“As we commemorate the anniversary of the declaration of martial law, we do not just recall the atrocities under the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, we also express our continued condemnation of a tyrannical regime that has plundered our nation,” Sen. Leila de Lima said in her 48th anniversary message on the declaration of martial law tomorrow.
“We seek justice for the victims of torture, enforced disappearances, and murder at the hands of an ignominious leader,” stressed De Lima, a member of the Senate Minority Bloc.
Sen. Kiko Pangilinan urged the youth to continue exercising their freedoms and speak out for truth, human rights, and justice despite online trolling.
“Why do I stay consistent with my championing in what some would say ‘lost causes’? Why do we do what we do? It may sound cheesy but it’s really because of what you love,” Pangilinan said.
“You love your country, you love your family. And because you love your country, you want what’s best for your people even if it’s not easy,” he added.
Pangilinan said he remained persistent despite being trolled and bashed every day for being critical of the administration’s policies and their implementation.
“Every time I raise something that’s critical of the government, the insults, the slurs are hurled against me, including my daughter, and wife Sharon."
“It’s not easy, but why will I surrender? Why will I waver? That will give them a chance to succeed. I won’t allow that,” the senator said.