Written by Victor Ganancial
Today, September 11, 2023, marks the 106th birthday anniversary of the late unlamented dictator, Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Ruling the Philippines for 20 years, he has greatly influenced the country’s history, and the marks of his regime are still clear and have taken root in the minds of the people.
During the times of martial law, the former president made basic commodities affordable and built numerous roads, school buildings, and other infrastructures, like the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). The country’s gross domestic product (GDP) increased from $5 billion in 1964 to $37 billion in 1982, with an economic growth rate of about 6–7%. All of which made the 10-year period the “golden era” of the country, as others believe. But in contrast to the idea that his era had the best years, it was actually during the Marcos dictatorship when the government was drowned in crushing debt, thousands of innocent people were tortured and killed, and a mass “People Power” movement erupted in 1986.
While many people still hail the late dictator, one of his greatest edifice complexes is the construction of CCP, a catastrophically rushed project that killed many of its workers. In addition, his programs about necessities and infrastructure developments were only made possible through large foreign loans, which later caused high debts that are still being paid today. The rising GDP eventually plummeted, causing an economic crisis to the whole country. People rely on rice rations and corn as an alternative due to food shortages, as described by Susan Quimpo, a Martial Law survivor.
In recent years, the country still faces similar societal and political issues as during the darkest times of the Marcos regime. There are reports of rampant corruption during the term of former President Joseph Estrada, who was subsequently impeached; cases of electoral fraud, as committed by former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo; and extrajudicial killings during Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs. The Filipino media community still receives relentless attacks, and human rights violations are still evident. The current president, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who happens to be the son of the late dictator, won the 2022 presidential election despite the alleged fabrication of his educational background, dignification of his father’s dictatorship, discreditation of Martial Law narratives, and political vilification of his rival parties.
In spite of the brutalities, injustices, and abuse of power during the 20-year reign of Ferdinand Marcos Sr., there are people who are still mesmerized by his false rays of glory and have become ignorant of the oppression in the shadows. In fact, this day was declared as a special non-working day in Ilocos Norte last August, which means that in other parts of the country, people celebrate the birthday of a thief and human rights violator.