Former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile in his “JPE: A Witness to History” interview with Bongbong Marcos | Screengrab via Facebook page of Bongbong Marcos
On the eve of the 46th anniversary of martial law declaration, former Senator Bongbong Marcos uploaded on his Facebook account his one-on-one interview with former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile.
The interview was about the martial law declaration of his father, former President Ferdinand Marcos.
Enrile recalled the times under martial law, denying reports that thousands were killed and arrested back then.
Enrile claims only one was executed under the martial law and that was Chinese drug lord Lim Seng.
“Name me one person that was arrested because of political or religious belief during that period. None. Name me one person that was arrested simply because he criticized President Marcos. None. Very few were arrested and they were arrested. Jovy Salonga for instance, he was involved in the light a fire movement and many others. Very few were arrested and they were released. They were inconvenienced for a while but they were released,” Enrile said.
He also said that Marcos was pushed to declare martial law because of an alleged conspiracy between the Liberal Party and the Communist Party of the Philippines.
The attempted ambush attack against Enrile in 1972 was one of the bases why martial law was declared by Marcos nationwide on September 22, 1972. He appointed Enrile as martial law administrator.
But former Senate President Aquilino Pimentel Jr. criticized Enrile’s recollection of events, saying Manong Johnny must have forgotten about him.
Pimentel said he was imprisoned four times during martial law because of his political beliefs.
“Maybe, Enrile has forgotten me. That’s part of aging,” said Pimentel.
Pimentel also pointed out that everyone has the right to express their opinion, but reiterates that the public should not be influenced by the opinions of those who have a hidden agenda.
The former lawmaker also believes that the end does not justify the means and the edifices, as well as the infrastructures built during the Marcos government, cannot compensate for every life lost.
“The end never justifies the means. Otherwise, parati na lang mangyayari that people will be deprived of their rights and freedom, liberty, under the pretext that this is for your good, for the good of the rest of the people. We should resist that kind of an attempt, said Pimentel. — Rosalie Coz
Tags: Juan Ponce Enrile, Martial Law
Malacañang on Enrile’s claim: Court records show human rights violations during martial law
(L-R) Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque (via PCOO); Former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile (via Bongbong Marcos FB page)
MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang disagrees with the claims of former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile that only one was executed and nobody was arrested under the martial law declared by the late President Ferdinand Marcos.
In an interview that was published by former Senator Bongbong Marcos, Enrile said that no one was killed and arrested due to their political and religious beliefs during the martial law era.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the laws created to compensate the victims of abuses clearly prove there were human rights abuses during the martial rule.
Roque also believes that Enrile’s claims cannot distort history.
“As far as the Palace is concerned, there are decisions affirming that there were grave human rights violations committed during the Marcos regime. There was even a law in Congress which provides for the compensation for victims of martial law,” said Roque.
Tags: Attorney Harry Roque, Ferdinand Marcos, Juan Ponce Enrile, Martial Law
Senators to meet with gov’t security officials on possible martial law extension
Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III
Senators are planning to meet with officials of the Department of National Defense over the proposed extension of martial law in Mindanao following the bombing in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat that killed 3 people and wounded 36 others.
Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III said military officials should update lawmakers on the current situation in Mindanao under martial law.
“Yung military mag-briefing po sila what is happening, what have they done and how come in spite of martial law being still imposed in Mindanao such explosion in Sultan Kudarat still happened,” he said.
However, opposition Senator Francis Pangilinan sees no need for an extension since the existing military rule in the region failed to stop the recent attack.
“While the bombing is deplorable and the perpetrators should be apprehended and brought to justice I do not see the need for a martial law extension,” Pangilinan said.
He also said in a statement that what is needed is a no-nonsense police work to put the perpetrators behind bars. — Nel Maribojoc
Tags: Bombing, Isulan, Martial Law, Mindanao
HOR backs extension on encashment of Martial Law reparation pay
QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The House Committee on Human Rights approved on first reading a resolution seeking to extend the deadline for the encashment of claims granted to recognized Martial Law victims.
This gives recognized victims of abuse during the Marcos regime a sliver of hope in claiming their reparation pay as they will be allowed more time in processing the necessary documents to prove that they are indeed the recognized recipients.
The deadline for encashment of claims is until August 10, 20,18 as set by the Human Rights Claims Board (HRCB).
Though the committee will not be able to complete the passage of the resolution before the said date, Committee chairperson Cheryl Deloso-Montanilla, assured that once the bill is signed the fund can still be withdrawn.
The HRCB has earlier said that the money allotted for the compensation would be returned to the national treasury if it is not claimed within the deadline.
“Kung ma-second reading ngayong week na ito may possibility na ma-third reading by next week. Kung wala namang complications sa versions so hindi na aabot ng bicam. Generally ipe-present na lang sa Presidente for signature,” Deloso-Montilla said.
(If it passes second reading this week, there’s a possibility that it will pass third reading next week. If there are no complications in the versions, it won’t reach the bicameral committee anymore. Generally, it only needs to be presented to the president for his signature.)
Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Chairperson Chito Gascon, meanwhile, hopes the reparation efforts would serve its purpose.
“This cheque represent state reparation for violations occurred during Martial Law. And ultimately we should not allow technicalities to undermine the principle that claimants should be compensated,” Gascon said.
Gascon is also pushing for the recognition of other human rights violation victims even beyond the Martial Law era and be entitled “to some other form of reparation.” – Rey Pelayo | UNTV News & Rescue
Tags: House Committee on Human Rights, Martial Law, reparation pay
