by MLC | Jan 17, 2015 | Martial Law Stories
Source: Rappler.com
‘The message of the Holy Father is about the poor, and I love the poor,’ Imelda Marcos told reporters as she attended Pope Francis’ Mass in Tacloban
ALL SMILES. Former first lady Imelda Marcos is seen at the Patio Victoria Restaurant in Tacloban City a day before Pope Francis’ visit. Photo by Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – Controversial former First Lady Imelda Marcos attended Pope Francis’ Mass in Tacloban, a move foreign and local observers noted for its irony.
The widow of dictator Ferdinand Marcos was spotted at the Tacloban airport in Leyte on Saturday morning, January 17, where Pope Francis celebrated Mass to console victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).
Marcos is a member of the influential Romualdez clan that has dominated Leyte politics for decades.
Vatican expert John L Allen Jr reported on the Catholic news website Crux that Marcos was present as an “ordinary pilgrim.”
“The message of the Holy Father is about the poor, and I love the poor,” Marcos told reporters.
“If more people thought like him, the country will be more united and able to grow,” she was quoted as saying.
Allen said that Mrs Marcos did not meet the popular pro-poor pope, “who was likely unaware of her presence.”
Members of the Romualdez family earlier said that Mrs Marcos planned to attend the pope’s Mass.
Now a representative of Ilocos Norte, her husband’s home province, Marcos remains controversial over human rights abuses and corruption allegations during her husband’s regime under martial law.
Mrs Marcos is infamous for her lavish lifestyle, amassing art, jewelry, clothes, and shoes in the two decades that her husband was president.
Despite the abuses attributed to the Marcoses, they remain a powerful force in Philippine politics and occupy key posts in government.
Marcos’ son, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr, is a senator who also attended the Pope’s Tacloban Mass. He is reportedly eyeing higher office in 2016
The pope’s visit to Leyte, particularly his homily in Tacloban, was the highlight of the pontiff’s trip to the Philippines, with Francis saying his focus is on the poor. (READ: Full text of Pope Francis’ homily in Tacloban)
The most powerful storm to hit land, Yolanda devastated Leyte and the rest of Eastern Visayas on November 8, 2013, killing over 6,000 and leaving millions homeless and jobless.
In spontaneous, moving words, Francis empathized with the pain of Yolanda survivors, who lost loved ones, homes, jobs and property to the monster typhoon.
Francis said to the victims: “’Father,’ you might say to me, ‘I was let down because I’ve lost so many things, my house, my livelihood.’ I respect those sentiments. But Jesus there [pointing to a cross at the makeshift stage] was nailed to the cross and from there he does not let us down.”
“Many of you lost everything. I don’t know what to say to you. Many have asked, why, Lord?” He said: “All I can do is keep silent.”
Due to the storm, Francis cut short his Leyte trip by 4 hours and returned to Manila Saturday afternoon. – Rappler.com
by MLC | Jan 17, 2015 | Martial Law Stories
Source: Rappler
The lifting of Martial Law in 1981 is associated with the visit of Pope John Paul that same year
MANILA, Philippines – On this day in history, a very important policy change – one that is associated with a papal visit – took place.
It was the Martial Law era in the Philippines when Pope John Paul II visited the country in February 1981 – his first. The announcement came at a time when an increasing number of human rights abuses by the military were being reported.
And “to minimize papal criticism of his regime” Marcos lifted martial law on January 17, 1981 – almost a month before the papal visit – via Proclamation 2045.
In declaring the end of martial law, Marcos said that “anarchy has been successfully checked,” and that “the leftist-rightist rebellion has been substantially contained, its ranks reduced to disorganized bands alienated from the people.”
In the long text provided in the Proclamation (read the text here), Marcos also listed down a number of reforms his government had reportedly achieved – describing it as a “Democratic Revolution”. Among them were reforms in education, security, agriculture, and the economy.
“The Filipino people, having subdued threats to the stability of government, public order and security, are aware that the time has come to consolidate the gains attained by the nation under a state of martial law by assuming their normal political roles and shaping the national destiny within the framework of civil government and popular democracy,” Marcos said in the proclamation.
Some observers noted, however, that this proclamation did not entirely lift martial law. Marcos indicated in the proclamation that the Armed Forces of the Philippines would continue “to prevent or suppress lawless violence, insurrection, rebellion and subversion.”
He added that the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus would continue “in the two autonomous regions in Mindanao” and would apply to “persons at present detained as well as others who may hereafter be similarly detained for the crimes of insurrection or rebellion, subversion, conspiracy or proposal to commit such crimes.”
Apart from the papal visit, the lifting of Martial Law was also reported to be timed to the election of Ronald Reagan as US president.
SPEAKING OUT. Pope John Paul II spoke out against the dictatorship of former president Ferdinand Marcos in his presence. File photo from papalvisit.ph
Pope’s reaction
The Official Gazette said Marcos saw the first papal visit in the Philippines as a “fresh hope for the elimination of the weakness of society not only in this country but in the whole world as well.”
But Martial Law, despite its “abolition”, did not escape mention in the pope’s remarks when he arrived in the country.
In a speech he delivered in Manila, the pope touched on the issue of ensuring justice in the country and preserving human rights:
The challenge that faces each nation, and more particularly a Christian nation, is a challenge to its own internal life. I am sure that the leaders and the people of the Philippines fully realize their responsibility to construct an exemplary society and that they are willing to work together to achieve this end in a spirit of mutual respect and civic responsibility. It is the joint effort of all the citizens that builds a truly sovereign nation, where not only the legitimate material interests of the citizens are promoted and protected, but also their spiritual aspirations and their culture.
Even in exceptional situations that may at times arise, one can never justify any violation of the fundamental dignity of the human person or of the basic rights that safeguard this dignity. Legitimate concern for the security of a nation, as demanded by the common good, could lead to the temptation of subjugating to the State the human being and his or her dignity and rights. Any apparent conflict between the exigencies of security and of the citizens’ basic rights must be resolved according to the fundamental principle – upheld always by the Church – that social organization exists only fοr the service of man and for the protection of his dignity, and that it cannot claim to serve the common good when human rights are not safeguarded.
People will have faith in the safeguarding of their security and the promotion of their well-being only to the extent that they feel truly involved, and supported in their very humanity.
It is my hope and prayer that all the Filipino people and their leaders will never cease to honor their commitment to a development that is fully human and that overcomes situations and structures of inequality, injustice and poverty in the name of the sacredness of humanity. I pray that everyone will work together with generosity and courage, without hatred, class struggle or fratricidal strife, resisting all temptations to materialistic or violent ideologies.
The moral resources of the Philippines are dynamic, and they are strong enough to withstand the pressures that are exercised from the outside to force this nation to adopt models of development that are alien to its culture and sensitivities. Recent initiatives that are worthy of praise augur well for the future, since they manifest confidence in the capacity of the people to assume their rightful share of responsibility in building a society that strives for peace and justice and protects all human rights.
The Pope also reportedly refused to accept the Marcoses’ invitation for him to stay at the Coconut Palace – originally built to serve as a guest house for him – due to its ostentation.
by MLC | Nov 13, 2014 | Martial Law Stories
By: Shakira Sison
Source: Rappler.com
In the form of a one-man show complete with humor, song and dance, drama, art and architecture, the New York production of Livin’ La Vida Imelda gives us a glimpse of recent Philippine history that might never be mentioned in history books.
As the city reputed to be the stomping ground of Imelda Marcos during her heyday, New York City is awash in Imeldific productions this year. First was the disco-themed David Byrne production Here Lies Love, and now Carlos Celdran’s Livin’ La Vida Imelda is gracing the city’s theater scene until November 23rd.
While it was my first time watching Livin’ La Vida Imelda last weekend, the performance actually turned 12 this year. What began as a walking tour at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex in Manila became a solo act after it was dramaturged in Toronto by Kapisanan Philippine Center for Arts and Culture in 2009.
As a theater performance, it premiered in Toronto at Twist Gallery that same year, and has since been shown in Silverlens Gallery Manila, Art Dubai, the CCP, and now in NYC off-Broadway. What a great way to celebrate its 12th birthday!
I caught the show this past weekend and walked away from it with gears spinning in my head. Fortunately, I was able to ask Carlos a couple of questions about the production, as well as his life as a performer, storyteller, historian, and activist.
How do you feel about the production and about the show being in New York?
Surreal. Like a dream come true. What’s hack and dork like me doing off-Broadway? I just am grateful more than anything else. Thank you to Ma-Yi Theatre Company for taking a risk on my show.
What have been some of the early reactions to the show?
Mostly positive. People come away with a more complex picture of Imelda. She really is more than just about the shoes. Not that I’m trying to absolve Imelda nor condemn her. I just want to paint a more nuanced picture of the Philippines and its history.
There’s no denying that Imelda is one of the most internationally recognizable Filipino icons. No doubt her identity is pretty much ingrained in ours. And as long as people view Imelda as a cliché, we will be viewed that way as well. I just want to destroy that cliché.
In the show, you recognize the downsides to a dictatorship and solemnly pay respects to the victims of human rights violations during the Marcos era. But you also cite the advantages of a dictatorship in having no opposition, as well as the good work that was done by the Marcoses. Some have even accused you of glorifying the Marcos years. How do you feel about that?
People have said that I do not emphasize Martial Law nor the negatives enough. Well, all the horrible stuff is already out there and known by an American audience – up to the point that it pretty much is ALL that they know. My show is one hour and a half.
Why waste my time in repeating things that are common knowledge already? I am not in denial of the wrongdoing. I just wish to tell the US audience things that they haven’t heard before.
Like that Imelda was guest of honor of the Lincoln Center and that US was totally complicit in the Marcos dictatorship and actually SUPPORTED his decision to proclaim Martial Law.
You are an open supporter of charter change. In your show, you discussed the possibility that democracy might just be for “self-actualized” people who are past the basic issues of poverty and inadequate education. How do you think a parliamentary system of government would benefit us?
MUCH Better. Less Manila-centric and more regional representation. This presidential system we have now is ridiculous. It’s prone to deadlocks, petty dictators, and inaction. We currently vote for personalities and not policies. Presidential elections are pretty much winner-take-all beauty contests.
We vote for personalities and not policies. That’s why we have a senate that DOESN’T represent regions – they just represent their own interests. What the hell is that about? CHANGE THE CONSTITUTION now. Parliamentary would be way more suitable to a nation like the Philippines.
LIVIN’ LA VIDA IMELDA. Carlos Celdran’s one-man show gives audience a glimpse of Philippine history not usually read in books. Photo by Ma-Yi Theater Company
Your mention of the “landed classes” in your play made me entertain the possibility that they are the actual leaders of our country and what we have right now is a faux democracy where everyone has their own interests and there isn’t one true effective leader. Is this what you meant?
Oh yeah. Please. Manila Golf Club controls the Philippines, not the Philippine government. We have an untouchable oligarchy class with bottomless resources and unbridled power. Big business is now controlling much of the Philippine economy and society.
The power of the Philippine government is really shrinking as we privatize our infrastructure and management of government assets. We need more policies to address these issues. Or better yet – OPEN the economy and remove the 60/40 ownership provision.
Let FOREIGNERS into the Philippines to compete with these oligarchs. Then we may see more jobs and better services from these lazy businessmen.
What characteristics of the Marcos presidency (and Imelda’s reign) would benefit Filipino society as it is right now?
We could always use a bit more arts and culture funding in the Philippines. Always.
I enjoyed your show’s discussion of a country’s arts and culture as its brand and is what gets us recognition internationally. What do you think is the state of the Filipino art world right now? Why does the government fail to recognize its importance?
Ever since Imelda left, most of the government and Philippine society as a whole consider arts and culture to be frivolous and Imeldific. The stigma still sticks today. No joke.
Do we need another Imelda Marcos? What aspects of Filipino society would benefit from the presence of another Madame?
We do not need another Imelda Marcos. We need more jobs and more foreign direct investments. Period.
The New York production of Livin’ La Vida Imelda is a tremendous applause and honor for your Walk This Way tours. What have you learned about Filipinos, tourists, and the country after many years of doing your guided tours?
I’ve learned that we Filipinos need to learn SO MUCH more about ourselves. The audiences of my tours and shows are 60% Filipino. It’s an honor to have my countrymen watch me, but it’s alarming because it’s an indication of how LITTLE we know about ourselves and our history.
You do such great work as an activist in the Philippines. How does it feel to be one of Manila’s premiere “noisemakers” in important issues such as reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, preservation of heritage sites, and the meddling of the church? Do you find it easier or more difficult to engage people to discuss the issues you care about?
It’s just another job. Hahaha! I’m just glad I don’t have to do a desk job to get by. I am truly blessed by the Universe. I can’t complain and I will not.
As far as engaging people on issues, it all depends on who I am talking to. But when I do realize I am talking to a total idiot, I smile and just walk away.
A homecoming
As much as Carlos walks away from pointless conversations and pursuits, so does he run towards meaningful ones. Returning to New York City where he spent some time in (what he refers to as the “crazier and edgier”) 1990s is like a homecoming for him.
He is glad to be back in this magical city as an older and wiser man, with “a real job and not as an intern or cheese boy at Dean and Deluca.”
I was glad to see him this time and hear him relay his version of the Marcos years whose tail end we both saw in our younger years. We’ve both seen enough of post-Edsa Philippines to have the luxury of romanticizing a time before it. Ironically, it is the freedom of speech afforded by the democracy we now enjoy that allows both of us to tell our respective stories.
Carlos’ stories are a great gift to Filipino communities all over the world. In the form of a one-man show complete with humor, song and dance, drama, art and architecture, his New York production of La Vida gives us a glimpse of recent Philippine history that might never be mentioned in history books.
“How many of these stories are myth and how many are true?” Carlos challenged his audience as part of his performance I saw on a breezy autumn evening last week.
If our past is merely the story we tell ourselves, then it is incredibly important to discern between truth or fiction. If not, more convenient and more self-serving stories will be told to us in place of actual history.
Someone else’s version of the truth will eventually replace our collective past.
Our gratitude must be given to Carlos Celdran for artfully contributing his version to our evolving storyline. Salamat (Thank you), Carlos! – Rappler.com
by MLC | Nov 12, 2014 | Martial Law Stories
The next step is to weed out the false claims, says Lina Sarmiento, chairperson of the Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board (HRVCB)
MANILA, Philippines – Victims of human rights violations under the Marcos regime are one step closer to receiving reparation from the government.
A total of 46,985 claims for reparation and recognition were filed before the Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board (HRVCB) as the application process ended Monday, November 10, its chairperson, Lina Sarmiento, said in a press conference Wednesday, November 12.
This number is more than double what the board had expected and prepared for, Sarmiento said.
The board is now preparing to evaluate and investigate the authenticity of the claims.
Those who have not filed their claims can do so once Congress passes the joint resolution seeking to extend the application process for another 6 months.
The House of Representatives has approved the measure on third and final reading, while said the Senate has given its assurance that it will approve the resolution on third reading when session resumes on November 17, Sarmiento said.
The HRVCB is tasked to distribute the P10 billion ($222.52 million*)-fund plus accrued interest that was transferred to the government from a Swiss account holding the ill-gotten wealth of the late president Ferdinand Marcos.
Republic Act 10368 represents the state’s formal acknowledgement of human rights violations committed during the martial law period. Under the law, individuals or their relatives who disappeared or were killed, tortured, illegally detained, and deprived of livelihood and properties by agents of the state during martial law are entitled to compensation.
NEXT STEPS. Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board chair Lina Sarmiento provides updates on the status of reparations claims for human rights violations during the martial law period. Photo by Rappler
Validation process
At the top of the board’s next agenda is weeding out claims from alleged fixers who may have taken advantage of the process, Sarmiento said.
The team will also look into reports that some lawyers had advised their clients to file claims even if they were not actual martial law victims.
“We are setting up an investigation team to evaluate the claims as well as reported fixers. This will be in cooperation with law enforcement agencies,” Sarmiento said.
In verifying the authenticity of the claims, Sarmiento said the board will utilize analytics to classify claimants according to categories. They have divided work among 9 members into 3 divisions.
Claims would be classified according to provinces or municipalities, families, and those who are already “conclusively presumed” to be legitimate claimants.
Fact-finding teams would also be deployed to gather more information.
This landmark reparation process marks the first time that a body is documenting in such a scale what really transpired during martial rule through the submission of sworn statements attached to the claims, Sarmiento said.
The HRVCB has become a repository for documents from lawyers, non-governmental organizations, and civil society organizations who were active in documenting human rights violations during that the martial law regime.
Aside from monetary compensation, a memorial, a museum, or a library will also be built in the honor of human rights victims. (The web site of HRVCB may be accessed here.)
More personnel needed
The board only has until May 12, 2016, to finish its work – from validating the applications to awarding financial compensation for the legitimate claimants.
Commissioners aim to release checks for monetary reparation by December 2015.
Sarmiento is calling on Congress to consider amending the law that limits the number of personnel they can hire to only 5 lawyers and 3 paralegal officers.
For now, Sarmiento said the board, along with the Department of Budget and Management, has devised a “creative solution” to address the lack of personnel. One of these would to constitute the board tasked to create a memorial for human rights victims early so its members can help the HRVCB.
With a tight schedule, there have been proposals to extend the deadline of the filing of claims for 2 more years. Sarmiento opposes this.
“If you ask us about that proposal, we’re not in favor to extend because if you have seen all our claimants, they are old, they are sick….Some of them died already. But we will be creative in solving the problem,” she said.
by MLC | Oct 22, 2014 | Martial Law Stories
Source: Rappler
The House is expected to pass the measure on 3rd and final reading before Congress goes on recess on October 29
MASS ARRESTS. Martial law led to the arrest of Marcos critics. Photo courtesy of Dr Ferdinand Llanes, from the exhibit of UP Likas
MANILA, Philippines – Voting via viva voce, the House on Wednesday, October 22, passed on second reading a joint resolution seeking a 6-month extension for the filing of reparation claims for human rights violations committed during martial law.
The House is expected to pass the measure on third and final reading before Congress goes on recess on October 29, ahead of the original deadline of November 10 for the filing of claims, said Akbayan party-list Representative Barry Gutierrez, who co-authors the measure with fellow Akbayan party-list Representative Walden Bello.
A similar measure is pending in the Senate.
As of October 2014, the Human Rights Victims Claims Board (HRVCB) has received more than 29,000 valid claims, still short of the expected 55,000 to 90,000, Gutierrez said.
The HRVCB is tasked to distribute the P10 billion ($223.4 million*)-fund plus accrued interest that was transferred to the government from a Swiss account holding the ill-gotten wealth of the late president Ferdinand Marcos.
Republic Act 10368 represents the state’s formal acknowledgement of human rights violations committed during the martial law period. Under the law, individuals or their relatives who disappeared or were killed, tortured, illegally detained, deprived of livelihood and properties by agents of the state during martial law are entitled to compensation.
Aside from monetary compensation, a memorial, a museum, or a library will also be built in their honor. (The web site of HRVCB may be accessed here.)
by MLC | Oct 1, 2014 | Martial Law Stories
By: Agence France-Presse
Source: Rappler.com
‘She felt really violated that this happened. She was really in shock,’ Marcos’ lawyer Robert Sison says
CROWNED. Former Philippine first lady and current Congress Representative Imelda Marcos is crowned with flowers during her 85th birthday celebration in the town of Batac, Ilocos Norte province, northern Philippines, July 2, 2014. File photo by Francis R. Malasig/EPA
MANILA, Philippines – Former Philippine first lady Imelda Marcos felt “violated” after the authorities searched her homes and offices and seized art pieces, her lawyer said on Wednesday, October 1.
Government agents launched simultaneous searches on Tuesday for eight paintings potentially worth tens of millions of dollars, including works by Picasso, Gauguin, Miro, Michelangelo and Pissarro.
“She felt really violated that this happened. She was really in shock,” Marcos’ lawyer Robert Sison told Agence France-Presse.
The 85-year-old widow of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos was asleep in one of her luxury Manila apartments when a team of government agents arrived, announcing they were searching the place, Sison said.
Still recovering from recent eye surgery, she sat “calm and composed” on a wheelchair while the search got underway, he added.
Other teams also went over another luxury apartment, a Marcos mansion in suburban Manila, and Imelda Marcos’s office in the House of Representatives where she serves as an elected congresswoman.
Sison said nothing was found where Imelda Marcos was staying but artworks were taken from the mansion.
The raid came a day after a special court ruled that eight paintings owned by Imelda Marcos had been acquired with embezzled state funds and must be turned over to the government.
Sison insisted the government had yet to prove the paintings were acquired with stolen money, and added her client intended to seek legal remedies.
Eric Isidoro, a justice department official who searched the Marcos mansion, said his team seized at least 15 artworks, including three identical paintings of Michelangelo’s “Madonna and Child.”
“There were three of them but there is supposed to be only one. They could all be replicas or one could be genuine,” he told Agence France-Presse.
He was unable to identify the other artworks seized. (READ: NBI warns: Don’t buy Marcos paintings)
Experts from auction houses Sotheby’s and Christie’s will be consulted to verify if those seized are the paintings being sought, said Andres Bautista, head of a special wealth-recovery body.
The “Madonna and Child” had originally been acquired for $3.5 million, according to documents from Bautista’s agency.
The government agency said about 156 masterpieces were acquired by the Marcos couple before a military-backed popular revolt toppled them from power in 1986.
The government alleges the Marcos family plundered an estimated $10 billion from the nation’s coffers before a military-backed “People’s Power” revolt in 1986 forced them into exile in Hawaii, where the dictator died three years later. – Rappler.com
