WHAT I CAN DO

THE HORROR OF THE MARCOS DICTATORIAL RULE

As a child,I was told that the Philippines was at its peak during President Marcos’ rule and the majestic
bridges,parks,hospitals and other public buildings stand as proof.I remember myself having an argument with a
classmate, insisting that his term was the country’s “Golden Era”.But,turns out that I was wrong.As I grow older,as I
learn more about the society and politics is the more I know about the truth-Marcos was a criminal.It is true that many
of our infrastractures today were built under his term,however,it is also true that it plunged the country in billions of
dollars in debt,causing the Philippines to develop gradually.

On September 21,1972,about forty-eight years ago,President Marcos imposed Martial Law all over the Philippines
due to the increasing civil strife and threat of a communist takeover following a series of bomb attacks in Manila,putting
the entire power of the government on his hands.In the time of his dreadful regime,many FIlipinos suffered.The
Philippines suffered.Human rights were trampled as armed forces were given the command to prevent or suppress any
act of rebellion.As a result,curfew hours were enforced,group assemblies were banned, and privately-owned media
facilities were shuttered.Violence and brutality was normalized.Freedom was taken away from the people,but for the
former president,those acts were implemented to discipline his people and put the country in order and in peace.
Ridiculous,wasn’t is?Those times?Infruriating.Marcos?Horrible.

February 22-25,1986.After a decade and four years of nightmare and agony,a revolution was ignited.EDSA 1986
brought the whole country together, sharing one common goal-to restore democracy in the Philippines which was
successfully accomplished thanks to Filipinos who brave the metropolitan highway inspite of the inhuman forces of
Marcos.