3 weeks ago
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CEBU CITY — A political scientist has condemned attempts to distort historical narratives, emphasizing the need to uphold factual history, particularly for the younger generation.
Rejene Lakibul, a professor at a university in Cebu, said certain groups are pushing historical revisionism by urging Filipinos to simply "move on" from the past.
Lakibul made the remarks at a press conference on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, to promote efforts in voter education, coinciding with the 39th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution.
He said grasping history does not require personal experience, highlighting the importance of learning from the past to shape the future.
"They always say that we have to move on with the past experience, and they always use the narrative that you were not there, so you don't know how it feels like during that time," Lakibul said.
Lakibul said educators must consistently remind people that their physical presence during historical events is not necessary to understand them.
He emphasized that several genuine references allow people to relive historical moments.
He warned that historical distortion worsens when academic institutions fail to maintain objectivity.
He urged the academe to present facts objectively and base discussions on actual events rather than supporting efforts to whitewash or downplay historical experiences.
He believed that as long as educators uphold this objectivity, society would continue commemorating historical events and preserving historical memory.
His remarks came amid ongoing debates on historical revisionism, as various sectors pushed stronger efforts to ensure accurate teaching and remembrance of past regimes and struggles for democracy.
The EDSA People Power Revolution was a peaceful uprising in the Philippines from Feb. 22 to 25, 1986, that led to the ouster of dictator Marcos Sr. and the restoration of democracy.
The movement forced Marcos Sr. into exile and paved the way for Corazon Aquino's presidency, marking a significant moment in the country's fight for democracy.
