[Philippine's human rights violations] Martial Law Diaries, and other papers [corruption in the Philippines] #11/218
They may even forget that all they had for the whole day were scraps of food that helped assuage their hunger. They badly need rest for tomorrow would be another back-breaking day.
This country will continue to be in the throes of revolution for as long as the wealth and resources of the land are cornered by the very few at the expense of the vast majority who have to survive through hand-to-mouth subsistence. How can there be “national security” in a country where people live in two different worlds — the world of the affluent enclaves in Makati and the world of misery and wretchedness in the slum communities nearby?
Marcos apparently believes that a militarized atmosphere is what will make a success of his New Society for long-term “national security.” For all his political shrewdness I still believe that he is underestimating the potential and capability of the Filipino people to liberate themselves from the martial law dungeon of the dictatorship.
15 JAN
FM has announced holding of referendum through so-called “citizens assemblies.” What are they (“citizens”) going to discuss and vote for? Nobody is going to discuss anything. They will be told to agree on only one thing — vote “YES” for the Marcos Constitution. To even think of voting “No” would be sufficient ground for charge of subversion. This is the meaning of “democracy” under the New Society.
Met a lot of people today and they all know the pakuloand pangloloko sa taong bayan.Even those without formal education and practically illiterate somehow know when somebody is putting one over them. In my opinion, it is the poor, dispossessed and unlettered segment of the people who really understand the true meaning of freedom and rights. And they know they don’t enjoy these things right now.
16 JAN
Headline in the captive press: “Overwhelming mandate for the Constitution.”
The “referendum” started only yesterday and within 24 hours, Malacanang has come out with the verdict: “Overwhelming mandate” for new Constitution and New Society.
I can certainly smell something from the palace by the Pasig and the stink is simply unbearable. The picture is fast crystallizing. The “referendum” results will be proclaimed by FM as the people’s “overwhelming mandate” and so why waste time, money and effort in holding a plebiscite?