About 40 years ago President Ferdinand E. Marcos declared Presidential Decree 1081 declaring the entire country under a state of martial law. Marcos declared martial law on September 21 but this was made public in Cebu on September 23, the birthday of then Cebu governor Osmnudo G. Rama. I remember we had a party for my uncle that started at 5 p.m. and ended about 6 p.m. because a curfew was imposed that time. Many us were scared about the declaration of martial law.
I was in second year high school at the University of San Carlos Boys High School when Marcos declared martial law. Classes was suspended for a week. I can’t forget that the night before the declaration a television station, I think ABS-CBN, had a live newscast from Manila.
The Rama family had mixed emotions because it was the birthday of Osmundo at the same time his brother Napoleon Rama, a Philippine Free Press columnist was arrested and detained by Marcos along with Ninoy Aquino and other figures of the political opposition.
It was a dark period of our history. Marcos violated many provisions of the Constitution especially the Bill of Rights. People were arrested without warrants or without charges being filed in court and many disappeared. Freedom of speech and of the press were disregarded by the Marcos regime.
The martial law administrators abolished student councils. Those of us who experienced this turbulent period can say with conviction: “Never again.”
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The Liberal Party recently decided to make Congressman Tommy Osmeña the standard bearer in Cebu City to the dismay of Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama. Why would LP president Roxas choose one who is not a member of the Liberal party over one who is? How can the Liberal Party demand loyalty from its members when it can’t be loyal to its own loyal members? This reflects the kind of politics in the party.
Nevertheless, congratulations to the Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BO-PK) for bagging the LP anointment and good luck to Team Rama as it looks for what is good for the team in the 2013 election.
Team Rama has chosen to adopt lawyer Aristotle Batuhan as its congressional bet for the south district against Councilor Rodrigo ‘Bebot’ Abellanosa . This makes the election contest in south Cebu City more interesting. Both candidates are qualified and young.
In the north congressional district Team Rama is fielding actress Annabelle Rama while the BO-PK has still to decide between incumbent Cutie del Mar and her father former Congressman Raul del Mar.
In Cebu province, Gov. Gwen Garcia has dropped her initial political aspiration for the Senate and decided to run for the House of Representatives representing the 3rd district, boosting the candidacy of brother Pablo John Garcia for governor.
Now the Garcias willhave two districts as bailiwicks – the 2nd district with reelectionist Congressman Pablo Garcia and the 3rd district, Pablo John’s former base.
Rep. Benhur Salimbangon of the 4th district is sticking it out with Garcia’s One Cebu party and supporting Pablo John for governor.
Pablo John and Junjun Davide will have to fight it out for votes in the1st and 5th district.
I think Junjun Davide is more popular than Pablo John Garcia but what is important is to convert that popularity to votes.
In the 1st district outgoing Rep. Eduardo Gullas may be friendly with the Liberal Party but his five mayors are still with One Cebu Party and committed to support Pablo John Garcia.
An exodus of mayors from One Cebu to LP has not yet materialized. Only a few have left.