Poe tells youth to watch documentaries on Martial Law

CANDELARIA, Quezon — Senator Grace Poe urged the youth Wednesday to search for and watch documentaries on Martial Law so they could make their own judgment about what transpired during that period.

During an open forum with students of Enverga University here, Poe was asked about her plans to enlighten the youth about Martial Law.

In response, Poe said there are available educational materials that the youth could check out to find out the truth about the authoritarian rule imposed by the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos.

“Importante sa mga kabataan ay ganito: Alam ko minsan boring ang history books, pero meron namang mga online na documentary na mga interesting na mga nangyayari noong mga nakaraan. Maraming nangyari sa ating kasaysayan na dapat wag nating kalimutan,” she said.

Addressing the crowd composed mostly of students, the senator added: “Kung ako sa inyo, merong History Channel, at meron din namang mga documentary ng iba’t ibang network— GMA, ABS, TV5, hanapin ninyo. Panoorin ninyo para kayo mismo ang humusga.”

Beyond personalities, Poe said it is important that the youth become aware of a candidate’s stand on important issues, as well as their platforms.

Thousands of activists were believed to have been killed and tortured during Martial Law, which the late President declared in 1972.

The elder Marcos’ son and namesake, Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., has been adamant against issuing any apology over Martial Law. He said he does not feel obliged to say sorry for atrocities committed during past administrations.

Bongbong is seeking the vice presidency in the May polls. — RSJ, GMA News