Politics · Philippines Bureau
CHR urges Filipinos to guard democracy on martial law anniversary
The Commission on Human Rights called on the nation to defend democratic institutions from contemporary threats as the Philippines marked 54 years since the imposition of martial law. The agency emphasized that commemorating the historical period requires active vigilance against present-day abuses.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) used the 54th anniversary of martial law's declaration to urge Filipinos to safeguard democracy from modern threats including abuse of power, corruption, injustice, and the distortion of truth.
In a statement released Monday, September 21, the CHR stressed that remembering the dark chapter of Philippine history extends beyond reflection on past events. The agency called for sustained commitment to protecting democratic values and institutions in the present day.
The CHR's statement comes as the nation continues to grapple with questions about governance, institutional integrity, and the protection of fundamental freedoms. Officials emphasized that lessons drawn from the martial law period remain relevant to contemporary policy discussions and national affairs.
The martial law era, declared in 1972 under former President Ferdinand Marcos, lasted nearly a decade and resulted in thousands of deaths, disappearances, and documented human rights violations. The anniversary serves as an annual reminder for government institutions and civil society to remain vigilant against threats to constitutional democracy and the rule of law.