A DAY before the 46th anniversary of martial law declaration by the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, lawmakers filed a bill seeking to commemorate the onset of the First Quarter Storm (FQS) every 26th of January.
The House Makabayan bloc filed yesterday House Bill No. 8271 to ensure that the FQS would “not be buried in the past” and would be “considered a success of the struggle of the Filipino people in ousting a dictator.”
The alliance is composed of ACT Teachers Reps. Antonio Tinio and France Castro, Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate, Gabriela Reps. Emmi de Jesus and Arlene Brosas, Anakpawis Rep. Ariel Casilao and Kabataan Rep. Sarah Elago.
Former Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Judy Taguiwalo was also with the lawmakers during the filing of the bill.
“We take inspiration from the historical significance of the FQS that there is no other way to preserve our rights but to unite and fight against all forms of fascism and dictatorship,” Elago said in a statement.
The proposed measure also mandates the National Historical Commission, Commission on Higher Education and Department of Education to spearhead the planning and implementation of educational activities on FQS.