CMSP on martial law anniv: Translate remembrance to sustained action

Religious communities in Metro Manila mark the 54th anniversary of the declaration of martial law with a Mass at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral of Cubao in Quezon City on Monday, Sept. 21. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE FRANCISCAN POST NOVITIATE FORMATION – OFM PHILIPPINES

MANILA, Philippines — The Conference of Major Superiors in the Philippines (CMSP) reminded Filipinos on Monday, Sept. 21, that remembrance should not end in words but in a sustained action to protect democracy and the common good.

Fr. Angelito Cortez, OFM, co-secretary of the CMSP, shared in his homily at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral of Cubao in Quezon City, the statement of the CMSP-Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission.

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The Mass, presided over by Cubao Bishop Elias Ayuban Jr., CMF, was held to mark the 54th year since the declaration of martial law in 1972 by Ferdinand Marcos Sr. through Proclamation No. 1081.

“We remember repression and resistance, plunder and people’s revolt, dictatorship, and democracy. We remember because a nation that loses its memory becomes vulnerable to the return of injustice,” CMSP said.

READ: CHR on martial law anniversary: Defend democracy from present threats

But as the CMSP pointed out, as “prophetic witnesses of peace in a wounded world,” “[we should] move from remembrance toward organized, peaceful, courageous, and sustained action.”

“[Let us] remember truthfully and recognize injustice; listen to victims and the wounded earth; [and] defend dignity, democracy, accountability, and creation,” it said.

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The CMSP called on religious and church communities, schools, and social ministries “to keep historical memory alive; accompany victims and survivors; form young people in critical discernment; and confront disinformation with truth.”

Likewise, it stressed the need to “demand transparency; defend human rights and democratic institutions; and make ecological conversion and climate justice integral to mission.”

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“When corruption becomes systemic, political power is concentrated in dynasties, truth is distorted, accountability is delayed, and the poor bear the cost, the patterns that enabled past abuses become painfully familiar,” it said.

READ: Malacañang lockdown set Sept. 21 amid massive martial law rallies

The CMSP pointed out the need to “confront present wounds,” as well, such as the proceedings against former president Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court and the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.

“Our country is passing through a grave crisis of public trust. Allegations and investigations involving flood-control projects reveal how corruption can turn public works intended to save lives into instruments of private gain,” it said.

For the CMSP, corruption, whether past or present, must be “confronted with the same zeal and determination that ousted a dictator” in 1986, saying the sword of justice must not spare anyone.

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“Whether Duterte or Marcos and their henchmen or any other public servant – lahat ng sangkot dapat managot (all those behind the corruption in government should be held accountable.) Resist every abuse of power,” it said. /gsg