Politics · Philippines Bureau
Artist warns of persistent impunity culture in Philippines at Bataan forum
A prominent Filipino artist and novelist highlighted ongoing human rights concerns during a public discussion in Bataan, drawing attention to unresolved abuses from the country's Martial Law period.
LSN Philippines ·
BALANGA CITY, Bataan — Concerns about accountability for historical abuses took center stage Monday as artist and novelist Levy Balgos dela Cruz addressed approximately 50 young people at a community forum in the provincial capital.
Speaking in Filipino, Dela Cruz emphasized that a culture of impunity—the lack of consequences for wrongdoing—persists in Philippine society despite decades having passed since the declaration of Martial Law under former President Ferdinand Marcos.
The forum, held in Balanga on Monday afternoon, brought together residents interested in discussing the legacy of the authoritarian period and its continuing impact on governance and accountability mechanisms in the country.
Dela Cruz's remarks reflect ongoing national conversations about transitional justice and the need for institutional reforms to prevent future abuses. The discussion underscores generational concerns about ensuring historical accountability while building stronger safeguards against similar violations of rights.