On the anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law in the Philippines by then-president Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr., Malaya Canada stands in solidarity with our Filipino kababayan in our homeland and in the different parts of the globe in remembrance of the dark days that scarred our nation’s history.
Fifty one years ago, the Filipino people experienced the crushing weight of authoritarianism / dictatorship, the erosion of our civil liberties, and the devastating consequences of a corrupt and fascist regime.
The memories of that era are etched in our collective consciousness, serving as poignant reminders of the importance of safeguarding and, if need be, FIGHTING FOR democracy and human rights.
As an organization committed to upholding the principles of justice, freedom, sovereignty, and genuine democracy, Malaya Canada supports the resounding sentiment and cry of our kababayan in the Motherland, and echoed in the different parts of the world, of “NEVER AGAIN!”
NEVER AGAIN will Filipinos allow dictatorship and Martial Law to blight our land! NEVER AGAIN will we tolerate the suppression of dissent and the violation of our basic human rights. NEVER AGAIN will we remain SILENT in the face of massive corruption, killing with impunity, and injustice.
The Filipino spirit is resilient, courageous, and hopeful. The sacrifices made during those challenging times under the Marcos, Sr. dictatorship, and indeed are STILL being made by courageous and principled men and women during this present time of an illegitimate administration of Marcos, Jr, continue to inspire a commitment to democracy and the rule of law.
Together we pledge to honour the memory of those who died, suffered, and who sacrificed during Martial Law, by working tirelessly to ensure that such a dark chapter in our history is NEVER REPEATED.
Today, as we remember the past, let us look forward to a future where democracy flourishes, where the voices of the people are heard, where our people can work and make a decent living and support their families with dignity and pride, and where the Philippines stands as a beacon of freedom and justice.
Malaya Canada stands kapit-bisig with our kababayan at home and all around the world in this enduring pursuit of a brighter, more just, and more democratic kinaumagahan / kaugmaon for ourselves and for generations to come.
Huwag tayong mahinaan ng loob sa mabibigat na suliranin na hinaharap natin. Ipagpatuloy natin ang pakikibaka para sa KATOTOHANAN AT KATARUNGAN. “Apoy tayong hindi mamamatay, Liwanag tayong hindi magdidilim!”
Mabuhay tayong lahat! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang Sambayanang Pilipino! Mabuhay ang mga Pilipino sa ibang Dagat!
Never Again!
Never Forget!
Junk AntiTerror Law!
No to Redtagging!
Makibaka Huwag Matakot!
(*Malaya Movement in Canada is the broad network of groups and individuals against the killings and dictatorship and for the cause of freedom and democracy in the Philippines. It has chapters in Toronto, British Columbia, Quebec, Ontario, Winnipeg, and Alberta.)###
(Photo Credit: Khirsten Flores)