Politics · Philippines Bureau
Rights Groups Warn: 'Never Again' as Philippines Marks Martial Law Anniversary
Fifty-four years after Ferdinand Marcos Sr. declared martial law, Filipino human rights advocates and church leaders renewed calls for vigilance against authoritarian abuses. Civil society groups emphasized the need to safeguard freedoms of speech and protest as the nation confronts ongoing threats to democratic institutions.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Human rights organizations, religious leaders, and civil society groups gathered to mark the 54th anniversary of martial law under former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., issuing a collective warning that Filipinos must remain steadfast in defending constitutional freedoms.
The commemoration underscored concerns that the gains achieved through the 1986 People Power Revolution remain fragile. Participants stressed that the slogan "Never again, never forget" carries practical meaning—requiring citizens and institutions to actively protect the right to protest, demand accountability, and expose corruption and abuse of power.
Church members joined human rights advocates in highlighting ongoing vulnerabilities in the nation's democratic safeguards. The groups warned that complacency poses risks to hard-won freedoms, particularly as the country grapples with contemporary challenges to institutional independence and individual liberties.
The anniversary reflection comes amid broader regional debates about democratic governance and the protection of civil liberties. Organizers called on Filipinos across sectors to recommit to the principles of transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights that underpin democratic societies.