ILONGGOS gathered over the weekend to commemorate the 52nd anniversary of the declaration of martial law, with the shadow of that era still looming large over our nation. While many may see September 21, 1972, as a date confined to the past, the unresolved issues from that period continue to haunt us today. Economic crisis, rampant corruption, and inefficiencies in governance that were hallmarks of the dictatorship remain disturbingly present. Have we truly moved on from the legacy of martial law, or are we merely witnessing its reincarnation in different forms?
The martial law era, marked by crony capitalism and abuse of state resources, left deep scars on the economy. While the Marcos regime painted an illusion of stability and progress, it was underpinned by massive debt, which crippled future generations. Corruption became institutionalized, and as state coffers were siphoned off, public infrastructure deteriorated, and essential services weakened. Today, the echoes of that system persist.
Current economic woes, characterized by high inflation, low wages, and unemployment, reflect a nation still struggling to recover from its martial law hangover. We continue to grapple with a ballooning debt burden, a legacy of decades of mismanagement. Unfortunately, the cycle of borrowing without significant reforms appears to persist, with foreign corporations and big businesses being favored while ordinary Filipinos bear the brunt of rising prices and stagnant wages. This pattern is all too reminiscent of the same policies that deepened inequality during martial law.
More alarming, however, is the persistence of corruption. While we would like to believe that the dark days of martial law are long behind us, allegations of pork barrel misuse, unaccounted government funds, and underhanded deals suggest otherwise. The high-profile scandals and substandard projects, like the botched Ungka Flyover, further highlight a government still struggling with transparency and accountability. Despite various administrations pledging to root out corruption, we continue to witness public funds being diverted for personal gain while public infrastructure and services crumble.
The impact on ordinary Filipinos is undeniable. Just as during martial law, today’s economic policies often favor the rich and powerful at the expense of the poor. Farmers, transport workers, and laborers are left to fend for themselves, receiving just enough aid to prevent mass unrest but never enough to lift them out of poverty. Programs meant to alleviate economic hardships are often superficial and short-term, doing little to address the structural problems that perpetuate inequality.
It is in this light that we must ask: What has changed? While the political landscape may have shifted, the underlying issues remain alarmingly similar. Until genuine reforms are implemented, we will continue to grapple with the same problems that plagued our nation during martial law. These reforms must go beyond token measures. They must tackle corruption head-on, ensuring transparency in the use of public funds and holding those responsible for misuse accountable. The government must prioritize long-term economic policies that benefit the Filipino people, not just the elite.
History is not merely a reflection of the past. It is a reminder of the work that remains to be done. The economic crisis and corruption we face today are not just relics of a bygone era — they are the consequences of unresolved issues from a dark chapter in our history.
We need a leadership that prioritizes people over power, accountability over corruption, and progress over stagnation. Without these reforms, we risk repeating the very history we claim to have overcome.
