Marielle G.

Becera 11- STEM

English for Academics 3/26/24

Critique Paper: Preserve the Truth: Historical Books, Documents in Danger as

Marcos Family Returns to Power

On June 11, a person named Anthony Esguerra released an article about the late
dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. entitled Preserve the Truth: Historical Books and
Documents in Danger as the Marcos Family Returns to Power. In his article, it states that
historians, scholars, book publishers, and authors have sworn to preserve the truth about
the cruel and dishonest Marcos family regime as Ferdinand Marcos Jr. seizes power in
the Philippines. Critics contend that the long-standing efforts by Marcos Jr.'s family to
distort the truth contributed to his electoral victory. Within weeks of Marcos Jr.'s election,
books about martial law began to sell quickly. Primitivo Mijares' "The Conjugal
Dictatorship of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos" is one such title that has already sold out.
The government has already begun "red-tagging," or blacklisting, books that criticize the
Marcoses, which alarms journalist Raissa Robles.Ateneo de Manila University history
professor Michael Pante is of the opinion that books won't be physically destroyed or
outlawed, but he cautions against the atmosphere of fear that will keep Filipinos from
looking for the truth. The article’s topic is very relevant, but while the author makes a
good case for pointing out the issues about the Marcoses, a few others are not convincing
for other readers.

In the article that is written by Anthony Esguerra, he states that the issues that the
Marcos family has faced have been a problem for us Filipinos now and then. Corruption
is one of the issues stated in the article. It is said that Marcos and his family lived an
extravagant life, which caused our country to have many debts and deep poverty while
their family and cronies amassed billions of dollars of wealth. It also stated how the
Marcos regime also saw the killing, arrest, torture, and disappearance of thousands of
victims, according to records of human rights organizations.

Furthermore, the author should have made or indicated more statements regarding
the issues about the Marcos family to be able to persuade other people how mean and bad
they are. The author really did a great job in stating about the issues facing the Marcos
family. However, the author should have put more evidence regarding their issues for the
other reader to have or gain more information. Moreover, in the article, the author states
that the Filipinos are in constant fear that, now that the family is back in power, they will
use their overwhelming mandate to erase historical truths about the period of martial law
under the elder Marcos.

The article discusses the return of Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. in the
Philippines. It looks at how this might affect history and academic freedom. The article
by Anthony Esguerra presents evidence and context. It seems to support the return of the
Marcos family to power; it could be more credible by showing a neutral view. It mainly
focuses on worries and objections from historians, academics, and writers who oppose
the Marcos administration. The article uses sources like journalist Raissa Robles,
historian Michael Pante, and Senator Imee Marcos. To give a balanced analysis, it's
important to include a wider range of perspectives.

Besides presenting Senator Marcos's views on history education, the article

acknowledges opposing arguments. It should further explore the reasons and rebuttals
from Marcos family supporters for a comprehensive analysis. The author offers solutions
to the concerns raised, but the article could benefit from more detailed suggestions and
approaches to address the issue. It highlights the problems and difficulties associated with
the Marcos family's return to power and could enhance its value by proposing concrete
actions that various stakeholders can undertake to safeguard historical accuracy. It would
be more practical if the article examined how individuals, organizations, and the
international community can work together to protect historical accuracy and academic
liberty by taking specific actions.
 In conclusion the article “Preserve the Truth: Historical Books, Documents in
Danger as Marcos Family Returns to Power” tells us to raise awareness regarding the
potential threats to historical integrity and academic freedom in the Philippines. However,
to further enhance its credibility and impact, the article could benefit from a more
balanced representation of perspectives, additional evidence and context, and concrete
recommendations for action. The author really did a great job in writing the article telling
us Filipinos how the Marcoses are bothered on how the Filipinos were taught about their
family history.