In line with the 44th anniversary of commemorating the declaration of martial law, students gathered in a roundtable discussion to express their insights on the Marcos Regime at Room F700 last Sept. 21.

The discussion was organized by the Pinag-isang Lakas ng Samahan ng mga Progresibong Atenista (Piglasapat), Ateneo Film Circle (AFC), Samahan ng mga Mag-aaral ng Agham Pampulitika ng Ateneo (Samapula), Art Company (ArtCo), Samahan ng mga Mag-aaral ng Sining at Komunikasyon (Sinikom) and Samahan ng Sikolohiyang Filipino (Samasikofil).

Prior to the open forum session, Khryzza Mae Pinzon, the Piglasapat chairman and Samahan External Vice-president, explained the difference of the concept of martial law under the 1932 constitution and the 1987 constitution.

The discussion proper was facilitated by Remus Caesar Calicdan, SAMAPULA president.

The talk centered on the effects of martial law on modern society. The topic later shifted as to how the students can relate the lessons of the marcos regime to their field of study.

Ivan Capin, one of the participants, spoke on how the narrative of the Marcos dictatorship shifted to mere political rivalry.

“The narrative of martial law has changed. Instead of Marcos vs. The People, it has become Marcos vs. Aquino,” he said.

Other points expressed included the need for proper education of millenials on martial law and the need for responsible media.

Pinzon expressed her delight in how her fellow students were able to voice and reason out their opinions.

Pinzon shared, “There were really good points. Amazing points really na dili ma-raise in informal conversation. It’s amazing to hear the voices of the students of different fields, experiences, religions stories and knowledge and at some point naa tay point of convergence.”

A candle lighting event immediately followed the round table discussion.