Philippines: first demonstration celebrating the fall of Marcos since the election of his son

2023-02-25T16:40:14.651Z

In the Philippines, 1,500 people gathered this Saturday, February 25 in the streets of Manila to commemorate the 37th anniversary of the fall of former leader Ferdinand Marcos in 1986. This…

Philippines: first demonstration celebrating the fall of Marcos since the election of his son

"Never again martial law!"

Rally for the 37th anniversary of the movement that overthrew Filipino dictator Ferdinand Marcos, in Quezon, this Saturday, February 25, 2023. AP - Aaron Favila

Text by: RFI Follow

1 min

In the Philippines, 1,500 people gathered this Saturday February 25 in the streets of Manila to commemorate the 37th anniversary of the fall of former leader Ferdinand Marcos in 1986. This year, the celebration is highly symbolic, since it is the first since Ferdinand Marcos Jr., son of the former dictator, was elected president.

It was in 1972 that President Ferdinand Marcos brought the country under control by declaring martial law.

There followed more than two decades of corruption, election rigging and the muzzling of the opposition.

It is the end of this authoritarian regime that Filipinos celebrate this Saturday, while paying tribute to the victims of the dictatorship.

Among the demonstrators, survivors of martial law which left thousands dead, tortured and political prisoners.

For them, this anniversary has a special meaning since today it is Ferdinand Marcos Junior, the son of the former dictator, who is at the head of the country.

The president has also been rather discreet.

A simple press release, where he says to reach out "

the hand to those who have different political convictions

He calls for unity on this day of commemoration of an era that "

divided the people

", in his words.

Words that did not convince the demonstrators.

The day after his

election, Ferdinand Marcos

Jr.

refused to call his father a dictator.

I once again offer my hand of reconciliation to those with different political persuasions to come together as one in forging a better society — one that will pursue progress and peace and a better life for all Filipinos.

pic.twitter.com/Ar5gbuP1bP

— Bongbong Marcos (@bongbongmarcos) February 25, 2023

►Also read: With son Marcos, what position for the Philippines in the "China Sea"?

Philippines: first demonstration celebrating the fall of Marcos since the election of his son

Philippines: first demonstration celebrating the fall of Marcos since the election of his son

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