History scholars: Filipinos remain captives of poverty, oppression

MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos continue to suffer from “all forms of systematic oppression” and threats to national sovereignty remain, a historians’ group said.

Tanggol Kasaysayan said in a press statement yesterday that Filipinos remain captives of oppression, poverty and injustices perpetrated by the ruling few 125 years after the declaration of Philippine independence in 1898.

The group also mentioned the harassment experienced by farmers and indigenous groups brought by the countryside’s militarization, the country’s dependence on colonial powers such as the United States and China, and unfair labor policies faced by Filipino workers overseas.

“Big private commercial companies, both foreign and local, continue to plunder our natural resources, which are supposed to be the source of livelihood and shelter for Filipinos,” the group added.

Policies to protect and improve the conditions of the LGBTQIA+ community are also lacking.

“History reminds us that until there are Filipinos who continue to live in poverty and uncertainties, until the relationship between the oppressors and oppressed persists, we must continue to study and live by the examples set by our heroes and forefathers to achieve a true and full independence in this modern time,” the group said.