Fr. Angelito Cortez urges Catholics to remember Martial Law

Fr. Angelito Cortez, co-executive secretary of the Conference of Major Superiors in the Philippines, urged Catholics to use the memory of Martial Law to guard against modern abuses of power and threats to human dignity. Speaking during a Mass at Cubao Cathedral in Quezon City on Sept. 21, 2026, Cortez said that remembering history helps protect the future.

During the Mass, which marked the 54th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law, Cortez told the congregation that Catholics must move beyond prayer and songs to demand accountability from the government. He described current times as dark and stated that the Church must not remain silent.

Bishop Elias Ayuban Jr. presided over the Mass, which included consecrated men and women from various religious congregations. Cortez also asked consecrated persons to help younger generations understand the country's history and the truth regarding abuses committed during the Martial Law period.