The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said the past Martial Law regime, “despite its pain and darkness, teaches us valuable lessons in guiding our present and our future.”

It said that with the country’s experience in Martial Law, “Filipinos should value democracy, rule of law, and human rights in a free society.”

“In doing so, Filipinos help ensure that the dignity and rights of all are respected and upheld,” Executive Director Jacqueline Ann de Guia said as the CHR commemorates the 50^th year of the declaration of Martial Law in the country on Sept. 21, 1972.

De Guia said “this day should serve as a reminder to Filipinos of what it means to lose freedoms and the arduous path it took just to regain them.”

"Even at present, we continue to stress the value of truth and truth-seeking in addressing human rights violations. Without truth, there can be no justice," she stressed.

"And as time can make memories vulnerable, we call on every Filipino to similarly protect our history and the truth captured in the country's collective experience during the 1972 Martial Law as an important facet of achieving transitional justice,” she said.

She pointed out that the CHR has remained committed to embodying the lessons from the past and remaining vigilant against abuses in power and defending human rights.

She explained that looking back at history does not mean that Filipinos are unable to move on; on the contrary, it helps light up the path for the future.

"We remember, not because we are stuck, but because there are lessons to remember and teach present and future generations. We remember so that democracy will endure and, together, we become a better nation," she added.