Overview

The history of the Philippines is a long and complex one but the stories and reflections in Dark Days of Authoritarianism, from remarkable individuals who were willing to stake their lives for freedom, shed light on life under the martial law instituted by President Ferdinand Marcos from 1972 to 1981, and up to the peaceful popular uprising of 1986. This book not only covers the social, economic and political conditions across the country during martial law but also how those conditions affected ordinary people personally and spiritually. Many of the contributions illustrate the strength and determination of Philippine women to create a better society despite being met by great adversity and the importance of Christian faith for sustaining the lives of those who suffered and survived this tumultuous period. This book provides important lessons for a new generation facing the menace of authoritarianism today, wherever they are, to fight for democracy and resist any attempts to diminish people's freedom.

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9781783684854

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This collection of essays plunges the reader into both the darkest period of postcolonial Philippine history and the most hope-filled moment when the brutal Marcos dictatorship was overthrown by a peaceful, popular uprising. The writers were all participants in the stirring events of 1986, and come from diverse social, professional and ideological backgrounds. The multiple literary genres - factual narrative, personal anecdote, political analysis and theological reflection - model how the past should be recovered for the sake of understanding and acting in the present. It will humble, encourage and enlighten all who continue to struggle today in the Philippines and in other parts of the world with political repression and the non-fulfilment of political dreams. Vinoth Ramachandra, PhD Secretary for Dialogue & Social Engagement, IFES This is a significant book edited by a long-term friend, Dr Melba Maggay. This book focuses on the postcolonial identity of the Philippine people during the puppet rules of Marcos and beyond. Marcos used romantic justification for his martial law to shut out opposing voices and peoples. EDSA revolutions gave a glimpse of hope that never delivered, because the people in all social strata did not change in their deep-structure psyche. Today the populace rule of Duterte would be a regression and unapologetic savage without accountability. What happened to the Philippine people from the 1970s till now is relevant to the world at large, especially for those struggling in the post-colonial era in Africa, Latin and South Americas, and Asia. This book is insightful for it operates on two levels: the stark reality of encroaching evils on the personal level and the reflection of the cultural deep-structure that let these things happen. It is especially rare for a book such as this to explore even from a theological and Christian perspective. Wing Tai Leung, PhD Founding President, Lumina College, Hong Kong Former General Secretary, Breakthrough Youth Ministry There is an unseen hand that works for the good of those who try to stand for God's original purposes for society and its institutions. The editor herself gives us the clue to read this intelligent, intense and inclusive narrative. The contemporary political and social context in the Philippines, which mirrors what occurred in the 70s and 80s, has closely the same past in Latin America: authoritarian regimes and dictatorship under martial law. Previously, they were illegal regimes; today, the leaders are democratically elected but have authoritative natures, along with populists and violent nationalists. This is actually a global phenomenon. It's a book urgently relevant. Marcelo Vargas A. Centro de Capacitacion Misionera, Bolivia, Latin America Three decades after the ruthless rule of Ferdinand Marcos ended, this diverse collection of personal essays gives a revealing and timely insight into the dark days of martial law in the Philippines, the subsequent peoples' power revolution and ongoing consequences in the 21st century for the first Southeast Asian nation to declare itself a democratic republic. These are important stories of struggle, resilience and faith amid a convoluted interplay of ideological politics and social change. Rev Tim Costello, AO Chief Advocate, World Vision Australia

This collection of essays plunges the reader into both the darkest period of postcolonial Philippine history and the most hope-filled moment when the brutal Marcos dictatorship was overthrown by a peaceful, popular uprising. The writers were all participants in the stirring events of 1986, and come from diverse social, professional and ideological backgrounds. The multiple literary genres - factual narrative, personal anecdote, political analysis and theological reflection - model how the past should be recovered for the sake of understanding and acting in the present. It will humble, encourage and enlighten all who continue to struggle today in the Philippines and in other parts of the world with political repression and the non-fulfilment of political dreams. Vinoth Ramachandra, PhD Secretary for Dialogue & Social Engagement, IFES This is a significant book edited by a long-term friend, Dr Melba Maggay. This book focuses on the postcolonial identity of the Philippine people during the puppet rules of Marcos and beyond. Marcos used romantic justification for his martial law to shut out opposing voices and peoples. EDSA revolutions gave a glimpse of hope that never delivered, because the people in all social strata did not change in their deep-structure psyche. Today the populace rule of Duterte would be a regression and unapologetic savage without accountability. What happened to the Philippine people from the 1970s till now is relevant to the world at large, especially for those struggling in the post-colonial era in Africa, Latin and South Americas, and Asia. This book is insightful for it operates on two levels: the stark reality of encroaching evils on the personal level and the reflection of the cultural deep-structure that let these things happen. It is especially rare for a book such as this to explore even from a theological and Christian perspective. Wing Tai Leung, PhD Founding President, Lumina College, Hong Kong Former General Secretary, Breakthrough Youth Ministry There is an unseen hand that works for the good of those who try to stand for God's original purposes for society and its institutions. The editor herself gives us the clue to read this intelligent, intense and inclusive narrative. The contemporary political and social context in the Philippines, which mirrors what occurred in the 70s and 80s, has closely the same past in Latin America: authoritarian regimes and dictatorship under martial law. Previously, they were illegal regimes; today, the leaders are democratically elected but have authoritative natures, along with populists and violent nationalists. This is actually a global phenomenon. It's a book urgently relevant. Marcelo Vargas A. Centro de Capacitaci n Misionera, Bolivia, Latin America Three decades after the ruthless rule of Ferdinand Marcos ended, this diverse collection of personal essays gives a revealing and timely insight into the dark days of martial law in the Philippines, the subsequent peoples' power revolution and ongoing consequences in the 21st century for the first Southeast Asian nation to declare itself a democratic republic. These are important stories of struggle, resilience and faith amid a convoluted interplay of ideological politics and social change. Rev Tim Costello, AO Chief Advocate, World Vision Australia

Author Information

A writer and social anthropologist, MELBA PADILLA MAGGAY is a sought-after international speaker and consultant on culture and social development issues, particularly on the interface of religion, culture and development. She is co-founder and President of the Institute for Studies in Asian Church and Culture, President of Micah Global, and is a long-time board member of the Center for Community Transformation

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