Philippines marks 54th anniversary of martial law with nationwide protests

Thousands of protesters gathered across the Philippines, including major demonstrations in Manila, to mark the 54th anniversary of the declaration of martial law by former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. in 1972.

Demonstrators and advocacy groups, such as the LGBTQIA+ organization Bahaghari, called for accountability from current leaders Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte. Protesters highlighted issues of corruption, human rights abuses, and the need to resist historical revisionism that attempts to portray the martial law era as a “golden age.”

In Manila, the city government suspended face-to-face classes due to security and traffic concerns, while police established barriers near the presidential palace. Religious leaders, including Cubao Bishop Elias Ayuban Jr., also urged the public to preserve the collective memory of the period to prevent the repetition of past injustices.