On Marcos centennial, a call to post artworks about martial law atrocities

MANILA, Philippines – On Monday, September 11, Ferdinand Marcos would have turned 100. His family and supporters have kicked off year-long activities to celebrate the Marcos centennial. Artists and activists are counterning those with activities designed to remind the public of atrocities committed under the late dictator’s martial law. 

Molotov Pilipinas, a creative community, called on artists from different parts of the country to post their protest works on social media on September 11. They intend to depict the outrage against the “culture of violence” that pervades the country, the group said. 

Malacañang declared September 11 this year a “special non-working day” in Ilocos Norte, home province of Marcos, who was overthrown and sent into exile by the 1986 People Power Revolution. (READ: Malacañang declares holiday in Ilocos Norte for Marcos’ 100th birthday) 

Molotov Pilipinas will also hold an event on September 9, Saturday, at Tomatokick Morato called “Blow Out,” where different artists will be performing.

Aside from the birth anniversary of Marcos, another date in September expected to rekindle online discussions is September 21. It was on this day in 1972 that the former strongman issued Presidential Decree Number 1081, placing the Philippines under martial law.

The social media activity of Molotov Pilipinas comes a year after a furious debate about “acts of historical revisionism” erupted online after the “government’s Official Gazette posted a photo of Ferdinand Marcos on Facebook.“

Among the personalities who warned about “historical revisionism” was Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales.

Aside from posting artworks, netizens have expressed online their disdain for the commemoration of the centennial of the birth of the disgraced former president. There were others, though, who displayed their devotion to Marcos. 

#Marcos100 – Curated tweets by MovePH

The government allowed the Marcos family to bury the remains of the ousted president at the Libingan ng mga Bayani with military honors on November 18, 2016. (READ: Marcos buried at Libingan ng mga Bayani)

President Rodrigo Duterte said recently the Marcos family was open to returning to the government “some” of their ill-gotten wealth. (READ: Duterte: If I were Marcoses, I’d return wealth for immunity) – Rappler.com