Today: September 21, 2006

By Mr. Rey De Guzman
Chairman
Research, Issue and Advocacy Commission – KALIPI

A couple of decades ago, a historical proclamation were enforced to the entire Filipino nation. It would be the precursor to thousands of death, the military take over and political chaos of gigantic proportions.

MARTIAL LAW!!!

I never had the chance of experiencing first hand the hardships of those dark days. But through the accounts of my parents, close relatives and various documentaries about Martial law, Imelda, the Marcos Administration and ill-gotten wealth, the Desiparasidos (individuals who disappeared during the martial law regime), Yamashita treasure, the Golden Buddha, and EDSA, I believe I had a clear picture of living in the martial law era.

It was TOUGH, It was FRIGHTENING and it was DANGEROUS.

No human rights was respected nor honored, people can be innocently taken for police questioning and never be seen again. Students are watched, monitored for any destabilizing mass actions. Business and industries can be taken from its rightful owners in a whimsical snap of a finger.

NO FREEDOM!

To speak out and air protest is a kiss of death. To gather in a group for whatever purpose is providing the police license to arrest and harass you. No news, no television, no broadcast unless approved by the Marcos government.

It was a time that demanded silence, conformity and surrendered ignorance. No questions, no explanations just follow… OR BE DEAD.

It is that glaring picture of democratic death that sets me ablaze. I can’t believe it happened! Here at my beloved country… that there was a time when freedom and democracy was dead. It is unimaginable but it is true.

Come to think of it, it was in the dark days of the Martial Law that we had learned to stand as a people and value the gifts of democracy. It was a reminder that freedom is our right, a right we must value and protect. I remember Ninoy Aquino’s statement:

“The only thing for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing!”

To enjoy the fruits of democracy, we must be ready to protect it from people or entities with vested interest. The system of democracy can only work if people are vigilant to protect their individual freedom and the nation's welfare.

It is in this light that i joined KALIPI. It is the principle of vigilantly protecting democracy that ignites me to passionately pursue voluntary work for youth development. It is my commitment to give my share to the community. To pass on the lessons and value of democracy, that no one may forget the pains of Martial Law and more importantly the lessons of EDSA!

originally posted from Hakuna Matata (Not)