FOR former Presidential spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque, the actions taken by the Marcos administration in suppressing the MAISUG Rally in Bustos, Bulacan, can be considered as undeclared martial law.
The suppression of freedom of expression and speech by the Marcos Administration today is even worse than Martial Law.
This is the observation of former presidential spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque following the intense suppression and harassment faced by organizers of the MAISUG Defend the Flag Peace Rally in Bustos, Bulacan on April 28.
According to Roque, the current administration is implementing an Undeclared Martial Law by violating the rights of the people to a peaceful assembly, which also suppresses freedom of expression.
Roque said that the administration is afraid of the truth amid the growing outcry of the people.
‘’In the government of PBBM, the freedom of expression, speech, and assembly to express the sentiments of the people have really been trampled upon. This is an undeclared Martial Law,’’ he said.
Roque expressed great disappointment, because instead of clearing their family name, PBBM is repeating history where it seems like the country is reverting to Martial Law.
‘’It is clear that PBBM Junior is following in the footsteps of his father— becoming a dictator and suppressing the human rights of our people, and it is clear that the nation needs to stand against the suppression of rights because if these rights will be disregarded if we do not defend it,’’ he added.
To recall, on September 21, 1972, former President Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial Law.
During this time, freedom of expression was suppressed, with many journalists being arrested, detained, and punished for their views and speech against the government.
Meanwhile, Roque warned that PBBM could also be ousted from the Malacañang palace–just like what happened to his father—if he continues to repeat the actions of the Marcos dictatorship.
‘’He is repeating the dictatorship of his father. He does not realize that he could also be ousted from the palace because there are limits to the presence of the people, especially when it comes to their rights,’’ Atty. Roque said.
