We are commemorating today the 39th anniversary of the 1986 People Power Revolution that ended the 21-year authoritarian regime of then President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. and paved the way for a new era of democracy in the Philippines.
In an unexpected move, the University of the Philippines’ (UP) Upsilon Phi Fraternity has recently awarded the “Upsilonian Noble and Outstanding” (UNO) honor to Marcos Sr., highlighting his “lasting influence on Philippine governance, economic policy, and national identity.”
President Bongbong Marcos, together with his mother former First Lady Imelda Marcos and his sister Irene Araneta, accepted the award at the newly restored Goldenberg Mansion in Malacañang complex last February 8.
The accolade has sparked controversy, particularly from Martial Law victims and groups like the Campaign Against the Return of the Marcoses and Martial Law (CARMMA), who argued that the fraternity has overlooked the late president’s “legacy of plunder, economic crisis, and human rights violations.”
CARMMA’s statement questions whether the fraternity has forgotten the numerous cases of ill-gotten wealth and unpaid estate taxes, as well as the hundreds of UP constituents imprisoned and killed during martial law. They believe that honoring Marcos Sr. with the Upsilon award contributes to historical distortion, perpetuating a narrative of sham progress during his regime.
Interestingly, Upsilon in the past has also honored Marcos Sr.’s political rival, Ninoy Aquino, for his fight for freedom and democracy. Aside from Marcos Sr. and Ninoy, Upsilon Sigma Phi has had its share of notable members, including former Senate President Franklin Drilon, Salvador Lopez, Armando Malay, Behn Cervantes, and Melito Glor, who joined the anti-dictatorship movement.
The award would have been unimaginable up until the term of President Noynoy Aquino. It was under President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration that the “cleansing” of the Marcos name began. In November 2016, just five months into his term, Duterte allowed the burial of the late president at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani, sparking nationwide protests and debates about historical revisionism.
This act by Duterte’s administration marked a significant shift in the public perception and acceptance of the Marcos legacy. The burial at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani not only provided the Marcos family with a semblance of legitimacy but also paved the way for further recognition and awards, such as the one recently bestowed by UP-based Upsilon— the oldest Greek-letter organization and fraternity in Asia founded in 1918.
While tributes and recognitions are being bestowed upon Marcos family members left and right, such as the Upsilon award for Marcos Sr. and the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ (CCP) exclusive dinner for Imelda Marcos on its 50th anniversary a few years ago, several groups and institutions are still striving to make their voices heard, no matter how soft they may seem nowadays.
In protest of the government’s decision to downgrade the commemoration of the People Power to a special working day instead of a public holiday, some prominent Catholic universities, including the University of Santo Tomas (UST) and De La Salle University (DLSU), have declared February 25 a non-working day, suspending classes and work to honor the spirit of EDSA.
As we reflect on the 39th anniversary of the four-day bloodless revolution, let us remember the lessons of the past as we strive to create a more harmonious and productive society. This is how we uphold the truth and honor history.
For comments, email jojoterencio@gmail.com
