MANILA, Philippines — Akbayan Party-list Representative Chel Diokno on Monday, September 21, called on the public to remember the lessons of Martial Law and remain vigilant against potential abuses of power as the nation marked its 54th anniversary.
The date marks former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s declaration of Martial Law in 1972, a pivotal era under the father of current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“Dapat nating palaging isaisip at isapuso ang aral na iniwan ng martial law. Ang kapangyarihang iniatang sa ating mga opisyal ay hindi dapat abusuhin at dapat ginagamit para sa kapakanan ng taumbayan,” Diokno said.
“Gamitin din natin itong gabay at inspirasyon para protektahan ang ating kalayaan laban sa anumang banta, at tiyaking mananatiling buhay ang diwa ng demokrasya para sa susunod na henerasyon,” he added.
The lawmaker highlighted the importance of safeguarding civil liberties and ensuring strict accountability among public officials.
“Sa sama-sama nating pagkilos, masusugpo natin ang katiwalian sa pamahalaan at mapapanagot ang mga abusado sa kapangyarihan at sa kaban ng bayan,” he stressed.
Alongside his message, Diokno highlighted House Bill No. 7911, a measure he filed to declare February 25 a regular national holiday celebrating the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution.
“February 25, 1986, is more than a date etched in history. It marks the moment when the Filipino people peacefully rose to reclaim their democracy. It stands as a testament to courage, unity, and the enduring power of collective action,” Diokno stated regarding the bill.
If passed, the proposal would permanently observe EDSA People Power Day as a regular holiday governed by standard labor and civil service rules.
Diokno’s advocacy is deeply rooted in personal history. He was 11 years old when his father, the late Senator Jose “Ka Pepe” Diokno—a prominent critic of the Marcos regime—was arrested following the 1972 declaration.
The elder Diokno was imprisoned for nearly two years without formal charges or trial. Following his release, he co-founded the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) to render legal aid to victims of human rights abuses throughout the Martial Law era.