MANILA (UCAN): The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines [CBCP] warned people not to be taken in by what they said were attempts to radically distort history by portraying the martial law years in a positive light.
In a pastoral message to mark the 36th anniversary of the peaceful uprising from 22 to 25 February 1986, the bishops said that people should remember and not forget why the People Power Revolution that ousted late strongman, Ferdinand Marcos Sr., took place.
The CBCP was responding to reported attempts by supporters of presidential frontrunner Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.—the son of the late dictator—to put a positive spin on the martial law years via social media by saying they were a “golden” period where no one was hungry and the economy was strong.
“We wish to warn you of the radical distortions in the history of martial law and the People Power Revolution,” conference president, Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, said in the letter.
We know ‘what truly happened during that time as opposed to all the disinformation
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines
and revisionism being circulated on social media that’s becoming a factor in choosing
our leader in the upcoming election’
He reminded people that the human rights abuses, corruption and economic mismanagement that took place during the martial law years were well-documented truths and not fabricated.
Many members of the bishops’ conference still remember the injustices of those years, he said.
We know “what truly happened during that time as opposed to all the disinformation and revisionism being circulated on social media that’s becoming a factor in choosing our leader in the upcoming election,” Bishop David added.
“We are alarmed by this distortion of the truth of history and the attempt to delete or destroy our collective memory through the seeding of lies and false narratives. This is dangerous, for it poisons our collective consciousness and destroys the moral foundations of our institutions,” the bishops said.
The letter called on Filipinos to be mindful of the spirit of the People Power revolution as the country prepares to elect a new leader in May.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
“As we commemorate the EDSA People Power Revolution this February 25, the day we reclaimed our freedom, we call upon you … whatever your political colour or status in society … be mindful of the right and also the duty to use … free vote to further the common good,” the bishops said.
