A Day In History

September 21, 1972, a infamous date in Philippine history when President Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law so he can remain in power. Infamous cause it started the decline of the quality of life of most Filipinos. Before Marcos, the Philippines was on the way to prosperity under President Diosdado Macapagal, father of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the present Prez. Martial law resulted in many problems that is felt even up to now.

I was four month out of high school and have been admitted at the University of Santo Tomas. I was eager to learn more at a higher level and was beginning to know other people such as my new found classmates, especially of the opposite sex and teachers that would guide me later on with my studies. I remember watching on television the Liberal Party Convention at Plaza Miranda in Quiapo, Manila. And as the politicians spoke, a bomb exploded and confusion and carnage folowed. And later that night, Marcos issued the suspension of writ of habeas corpus and Martial Law folowed. The next day there soldiers roaming the whole of Metro Manila in search of Marcos oppositions. And things became scary that all of us stayed away of the streets and later on, also, a curfew was enforced. And this experience made Filipino wary and afraid of policemen and soldiers and the notorious METROCOM.

I was thinking, how can this be happening. I just graduated and was full of life and eagerness to finally better my life. What will the coming years be under this sad condition of supression and corruption of the illegal administration. Life continued everyday as people went along with Marcos. There were some improvements, but, ultimately, the changes were cosmetics and the people were tired of what they've seen and acted to free themselves that led to the famous People Power in 1986. And that's another story.

As this date come every year, it is not celebrated, but, on the other hand remembered. Remember those who died, those hundreds who disappeared and are still not known what happened to them. More importantly, it's a day to remind us to be vigilant of our freedom and democracy, of someone who would just take advantage of us for their own evil intentions. And in the end, good will triumph over evil.