FILE PHOTO: Senator Risa Hontiveros. (Joseph Vidal/Senate PRIB)
MANILA, Philippines — Some things are unworthy of “rebranding.”
So said opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday in reaction to a new proposal to change the term “Diktadurang Marcos” (Marcos dictatorship) to just “Diktadura” (Dictatorship) in social studies curriculum for Grade 6 students.
“My position has not changed over the years — memory and truth-telling are the cornerstones of justice. An accurate historical record is a guide to a better future,” Hontiveros said in a statement.
“May mga bagay na ‘di dapat pinapayagan ang rebranding,” she added.
(In some situations, rebranding should not be allowed.)
READ: DepEd slammed over memo to remove ‘Marcos’ from ‘Diktadurang Marcos’ term
On Monday, the Department of Education (DepEd) confirmed the proposal to remove “Marcos” in the revised curriculum as a specialist from the agency’s Bureau of Curriculum Development recommended.
Vice President Sara Duterte is currently heading DepEd, the running mate of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in the May 2022 polls.
READ: DepEd confirms receiving proposal to remove Marcos in ‘Diktadurang Marcos’
The agency, through Director Jocelyn Andaya, explained that the proposal was only meant to align the outline of topics on events and themes instead of prominent political figures.
Any discussion on dictatorship and martial law will still include the name of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and his administration, Andaya was quoted as saying.
READ: DepEd: No pressure from higher-ups on changing ‘Diktadurang Marcos’
Also sought for comment on the issue, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III said he needs to look at more details “to see if what the DepEd stated is accurate.”
Andaya clarified that the proposal is not yet final, so it remains open to change and clarification.
READ: Teachers’ group decries DepEd memo on ‘dictatorship’