ENRILE: A WITNESS TO HISTORY (Episode 2) | Bongbong Marcos

Summary

This transcript delves into the complexities of political propaganda and its influence on public opinion, particularly within the context of the 'yellow movement.' It discusses the role of media and technology in shaping these narratives. The conversation touches on historical events, including the martial law era and the People Power Revolution, with personal insights from key figures. The discussion also includes the challenges of governance, the potential for civil unrest, and the importance of historical accuracy in understanding the past.

Takeaways

• 📢 The interview discusses the influence of propaganda and media on public opinion, suggesting that it has been a significant factor in the Yellow Movement's activities.
• 📱 The role of media has increased over the years, especially with the advent of cell phones and social media, which can rapidly manipulate public opinion.
• 🏆 The interviewee reflects on their temporary role in government and the perception of being a pariah due to their association with martial law.
• 🎭 The script hints at a lack of decisiveness and experience in governance by certain political figures, including Cory Aquino.
• 🚫 There was a military plan to arrest and potentially execute the interviewee, indicating a level of political unrest and internal conflict.
• 🔍 The People Power Revolution (EDSA 1) is discussed, with the interviewee suggesting that it was not a planned event but rather a military reaction to a political situation.
• 🛑 The interviewee expresses concern about the potential for civil war if the military had taken over power, highlighting the complexity of the political landscape at the time.
• 🤝 There was an agreement with certain military figures to protect the country's interests without involving the public, showing a behind-the-scenes effort to maintain stability.
• 🛂 The interviewee's departure from the palace and subsequent events are detailed, including interactions with U.S. military personnel and the decision to leave the country to avoid conflict.
• 📚 The script calls for a reevaluation of historical narratives, suggesting that the true story of the events has been distorted and that a more accurate account is necessary for understanding the past.

Q & A

What was the role of the media during the time of the yellow movement?

The media played a significant role in the yellow movement, with people being open to propaganda and having media outlets that could manipulate public opinion.

How has the role of the media evolved over the years?

The role of the media has increased, especially with the advent of cell phones and social media, which have accelerated communication and the ability to influence public opinion.

What was the speaker's perception of the dominance of the yellow group's performance over the last thirty years?

The speaker does not believe that the dominance of the yellow group's performance will last, as they have been observing a temporary nature in political alignments.

How did the speaker describe their own role during the time of martial law?

The speaker saw themselves as a temporary figure during the time of martial law, aware that their role was not permanent and that they were like a pariah.

What was the speaker's opinion on Cory Aquino's presidency?

The speaker was dismayed by Cory Aquino's lack of decision-making in cabinet meetings and felt that she did not have a background in governance or public service.

What was the nature of the popular uprising against the government during the script's discussion?

The popular uprising was seen as a part of the political narrative for unseating a government, but the speaker questioned the motives behind it and the involvement of the people.

What was the speaker's involvement during the events of Adso?

The speaker was involved with the military and was part of the Department of Defense, working with young military personnel to protect the country's interests without involving the public.

What was the speaker's concern regarding a potential military takeover?

The speaker was concerned about a potential bloodbath and civil war if a military takeover occurred, as there were strong political divisions within the country.

Why did the speaker decide not to take over power during the events described?

The speaker decided not to take over power to avoid causing a bloodbath and further division within the country, prioritizing the safety and stability of the nation.

What was the speaker's account of the final moments before the departure of the president from Malacanang?

The speaker coordinated with General Allen and the American forces to ensure the safe departure of the president from Malacanang, amidst confusion and uncertainty.

How does the speaker feel about the historical distortions regarding the events discussed?

The speaker is concerned about the distortions of history and is eager to correct these narratives by sharing his firsthand experiences and factual account of the events.

Outlines

00:00

📢 Media's Role in Shaping Public Opinion

The speaker discusses the susceptibility of people to propaganda and how the media has been a significant tool for the 'yellow movement' throughout history, including during the time of the speaker's father. The conversation highlights the increasing role of media with the advent of technology like cell phones and social media, which can be used to manipulate public opinion. The speaker also reflects on their temporary role in government, acknowledging their position as a pariah due to their association with martial law. The discussion touches on the political landscape, including the dominance of certain groups and the challenges faced by figures like Cory Aquino, who is criticized for her lack of experience in governance.

05:01

🗣️ The Dynamics of Political Uprisings

This paragraph delves into the nature of political uprisings and their role in democratic processes. The speaker recounts a historical event where a peaceful assembly was manipulated to serve political agendas, leading to a military standoff. The narrative includes the speaker's personal experiences as a military official who had to navigate complex political and military strategies to protect the nation's interests without involving the public. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced during a critical moment in history, where the speaker had to make tough decisions to prevent bloodshed and a potential civil war.

10:02

🛑 Preventing a Bloodbath: Military and Political Maneuvers

The speaker recounts a plan for a military takeover and the formation of a junta, detailing the roles of various military branches. The narrative describes how the speaker, as the head of the Department of Defense, had to strategize to prevent a bloodbath and a potential civil war. The conversation includes the speaker's interactions with key figures, their concerns about the country's stability, and the steps taken to protect the president and his family. The paragraph also discusses the speaker's decision to resign and the reasons behind it, including allegations of organizing a coup and the political climate of the time.

15:03

🏛️ The 1986 Uprising and Its Aftermath

This section focuses on the events of 1986, known as 'People Power Revolution,' and its aftermath. The speaker discusses the political dynamics, including the speaker's role in organizing a provisional government and the challenges of balancing political forces. The conversation highlights the speaker's interactions with international figures and the complexities of the political transition. The speaker also reflects on the decision-making process during a critical moment and the potential consequences of different actions, including the possibility of civil war.

20:04

🚁 The Exile and the Distortion of History

The final paragraph details the speaker's exile and the distortion of historical events to favor certain political narratives. The speaker recounts the events leading to the departure from the presidential palace, the involvement of international figures, and the speaker's interactions with the new government. The conversation emphasizes the importance of challenging historical distortions and the speaker's commitment to sharing the truth based on personal experiences and facts. The speaker expresses gratitude for the opportunity to correct historical inaccuracies and sets a challenge for a public debate on the events.

Keywords

💡Propaganda

Propaganda refers to information, often biased or misleading, used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view. In the context of the video, it is suggested that certain groups have historically been susceptible to propaganda, which has been used to shape public opinion and support for political movements. The script mentions that during the time of the interviewee's father, media outlets were used to disseminate propaganda, indicating its long-standing role in influencing public sentiment.

💡Yellow Movement

The 'Yellow Movement' is a term used within the script to describe a political faction or group. It implies a specific color association often used in political contexts to symbolize a particular ideology or coalition. The video suggests that this movement has been influential and has historically been associated with media manipulation and propaganda, as indicated by the discussion of their media presence and the public's receptiveness to their messaging.

💡Media Manipulation

Media manipulation involves the control or influence of media content to alter public perception or opinion. The script discusses the role of media manipulation in shaping public opinion, particularly through the rapid spread of information via modern communication technologies like cell phones and social media. It is suggested that this manipulation can lead to a distorted view of events and can be a powerful tool in the hands of certain political groups.

💡Martial Law

Martial law is the imposition of direct military control of normal civilian functions by a government, especially in response to a temporary crisis. The video references martial law in the context of historical events in the Philippines, where the interviewee discusses their role during the time of its implementation. It is portrayed as a significant and controversial period, with lasting impacts on the country's political landscape.

💡Political Dominance

Political dominance refers to the control or influence that a particular group or party has over a government or political system. The script explores the concept of political dominance, questioning whether the dominance of certain groups, as indicated by their alignment with the 'Yellow Movement,' will persist over time. It reflects on the historical performance of political figures and their impact on the country's governance.

💡Public Opinion

Public opinion encompasses the collective views and attitudes of the public on various issues. In the video, the discussion revolves around how public opinion can be influenced and manipulated, particularly through media and propaganda. The script suggests that the rapid spread of information and the ability to text opinions have made public opinion more susceptible to manipulation.

💡Constitutional Rights

Constitutional rights are the rights guaranteed and protected by a country's constitution. The video touches on the right to peaceably assemble and redress grievances as a constitutional right, which is a fundamental aspect of democratic societies. It is contrasted with the potential for this right to be exploited or manipulated for political gain, as seen in the context of popular uprisings.

💡Civil Disobedience

Civil disobedience is the active, professed refusal to obey certain laws, demands, or commands of a government or occupying power, as a form of protest. The script mentions civil disobedience in relation to political activism and the advocacy for change, suggesting that it was used as a tactic during the time of political unrest discussed in the video.

💡Coup d'état

A coup d'état, or simply a coup, is a sudden and decisive change of government illegally or by force. The video discusses the potential for a coup and the preparations made to counteract such an event. It highlights the tension and the strategic moves made by different factions within the military and government to either prevent or facilitate a change in power.

💡Interregnum

An interregnum is a period when a government is in transition or when there is no central authority. The script refers to an interregnum in the context of a power vacuum following a political upheaval. It discusses the confusion and uncertainty that can arise during such a period, and the challenges faced by different factions in asserting control or maintaining order.

💡Political Distortions

Political distortions are the misrepresentations or manipulations of historical events or political narratives to serve a particular agenda. The video concludes with a discussion on the importance of challenging these distortions to reveal the truth. It emphasizes the role of personal experience and factual evidence in countering the narratives that have been manipulated for political advantage.

Highlights

The influence of propaganda on the public and its role in the yellow movement.

The role of media in shaping public opinion and its evolution over the years.

The perception of the media's credibility and its impact on public trust.

The temporary nature of political power and the implementation of martial law.

The legacy of political decisions made during the Marcos era.

The unexpected rise to power and the challenges faced by Cory Aquino as president.

The lack of political experience and its implications for governance.

The potential for civil disobedience and its role in political change.

The significance of the 'People Power' uprising and its place in political history.

The military's perspective on the events leading up to the 'People Power' revolution.

The decision-making process during times of political unrest and its consequences.

The potential for a military takeover and the strategies to prevent it.

The importance of protecting the president and his family during times of crisis.

The role of the United States in the political transition and its influence.

The challenges of organizing a provisional government during a political crisis.

The potential for civil war and the efforts to avoid it during the political transition.

The personal experiences and reflections of key figures during the political upheaval.

The distortion of historical narratives and the importance of accurate record-keeping.

The call for open debate and the pursuit of historical truth.

Transcripts

you know the people are a more force and

they're open to a propaganda and these

are people that expect you you believe

that propaganda was a very large aspect

of the yellow movement they have always

been like that ever even during this the

time of your father

we were working they could they have

people in the in all the media outlets

the interview detestable roller has the

role of the media increased or decreased

over the years it will increase

especially with the speed of

communication now we have the cell phone

the social media you can read your

videos in on your telephone in your cell

phone and you can you can also text your

opinion there they can manipulate public

opinion even the service will be will be

suspect at that point well the service

have already become a little bit taken

with a grain of salt right okay so I

guess that is that is a distinct

possibility so despite the fact that all

of these things the the performances of

the those who ally themselves with a

yellow group have been dominant do you

feel that the dominance will still the

last for the last thirty years do you

think no I do not know whether they

don't mean that well not now well they

have been you know if they have a smart

magic

[Music]

boom boom when I was in that government

I knew that I was there only temporarily

because from the very start it was

actually like a pariah yes because he

could see the implementer the main

implementer of martial law and I think

the some of the orders that were signed

by you and not and by the by the end up

by then President Marcos so CVCC doing

some one but after after the day after

your father departed I thought it will

reopen the batter's and footballs I know

he did not reopen but it she did was

supposedly did power and to herself by

writing her own revolutionary

Constitution and assumed the power and

executive power and the legislative

power the only thing she left was

judicial power in the face of all of

this I think we removed we come to the

question how did you think Corey did as

president did you think she be she she

Italian you know among having been

involved in the cabinet of President

Marcos and I'm not saying this to

denigrate anybody I was dismayed when in

my first cabinet meeting with Cory she

did not make any decision he will say Oh

Tito he gonna Tito the government works

talita a month ago we shall attack Oh a

doughy

goon well no decision and I realized

finally personally I am sorry to say

this but I realize in that first meeting

that I had in that cabinet that the

president

succeeded that did not know anything

about governor's and it it it showed

afterwards it was a said they were the

ones were burning the country we was not

worried other people are for around

there well it's not surprising because

if you look at her record she has no

experience or even inclination as far as

I could tell for government work or

public service I do not know whether it

is true that she was very fond of

playing mah-jongg

well since we've come to the subject of

Cory Aquino and I guess that brings us

to to add some we had more than one we

number them and so on and answer to but

this popular uprising has become already

a part of the political narrative or the

political the political methods of

unseating a government or bringing a

government down in your view is that a

good development it should it be part of

the narrative should we avoid prevent

people from marching in the streets to

peaceably assemble for redress of

grievances that's constitutional but in

the case of the first answer the

question is why answer who decided that

the event must be there sir Cory did not

decide that none of the liberal party

people decide decided that they were all

gun they were in stable while the drama

in Manila was unfolding Akina was in the

southern city of Cebu continuing a

post-election campaign advocating civil

disobedience it was there because we

went to and that is where the

confrontation took place now as far as

our we were concerned in the room we

never planned to involve the people it

was plainly a purely

a military action reaction but with one

condition that we will not harm the

president and his family it just

happened that it burst that day because

of things that I do not want to discuss

now involving a group of generals who

had also a political plan I do not know

whether your father I'm sure hid your

father did not know or your mother but

they had a political plan to tour the

country and establish an alternative

over from my point of view I had to do

something about it

at that point in our history because I

was involved with the military I was the

head of the Department of Defense I did

not involve the generals of the military

because they were involved and so I had

to work with young people in the

military who were aged allistic enough

to agree to protect the interests of the

country and the Filipino people without

involving the people themselves you see

but God was with us because without any

blood yes

you disperse the crowd without shooting

them I remember we with many of his

advisers at the time in the palace while

we were observing what was happening in

the camps with you in the general Ramos

many were advising him to read the book

but I saw the restraint of the President

as green from that book

I saw also the folly of our plan to

assault the palace if we assaulted it we

could have been massacred and because

that that point you were prepared

already we were very well prepared I

think it's the first time we were able

to talk about it we would have been I

think there was a guiding hand that more

or less controlled that event by the way

I did not know doctor that was Seca if

you remember I went to the I went to the

palace I do not know what are you you

heard about this July of 1985 I was

resigning

why were you designing because some

people reported to the president that

may my men in the department of defense

were scaling buildings at night it was

true that we did but that was in

connection with his instruction to me to

organize an anti terrorist group unit in

the Department of Defense so on that

basis you were you thought that you did

not you know they were saying that you

were planning something although to be

truthful at that point we were

organizing because I received any

information that there was a military

junta and that I was supposed to be

executed by that hunter if something

happens to oppression I did not know

that you're president that the president

was sick at that time why was you why

were you on the kill list of the tonta

why would you

to their political objective so under it

so unbeknownst to many or most people

there was a plan for a military takeover

already and the hunter was already

organized yeah can you tell us who the

members of the window were the chief of

staff the general of the the head of the

Philippine Army the head of the

Philippine Air Force the head of the

Philippine Navy the head of the

Philippine Coast Guard those were the

members of the unit

how were they how are they going to take

over the reins of power according to the

information I received if your father

died they were not supposed to announce

it at all they will keep it away from

the knowledge of the fabric they will

invite all the members of the cabinet in

the name of your father for a cabinet

meeting and once we are in the in the

palace we will be quarantined but in my

case I will have to be executed this is

something that again I don't think this

babe maybe this is the first time that

this information is in the light of day

well so the the uprising of what became

Adso it was not a break with the with my

father it was an opposition to this

hometown correct but it just happened

that on the day we we we went organ

although we were already going to be

arrested by the presidential guards well

because they because of the information

that you got the palace got it naturally

we have no other way except to defend

ourselves I think it it reached a fever

fever pitch when the you were

barricading because I remember those

silly copters there's very famous

photograph of the helicopters landing on

the roof and the

holding firearms and military equipment

and vagbhata Kadena Scylla an army Huey

that was the helicopter assigned to this

secretary version of the same India I

see a helicopter I was your thing but

they brought they they came and the

photographs were of them unloading

firearm loading military equipment

communications equipment and the

assessment in the palace at the time was

that the this is the beginning of a coup

d'etat but we had information beforehand

that there was going to be an attack on

the palace where I received the

information but we there was no plan to

harm the president that is what that is

what Greg gunas and also told me when we

talked about this

long after that comment agreement and

ministry in real light commandeering the

complex housing the Ministry of Defense

you know I have been all this time since

1986 I have been wanting to ask you a

question and I have never found the

opportunity to do it and it I think this

is a good time after all that happened

in Adso after all of the this apply

secrets at the mala the nandan a

comedian la camisa sag one and then

eventually to hawaii pocket in dk only

president

you knew the current world and you were

much more many of them your dad was

giving me the government in the morning

of tuesday february 25 I remembered it I

was I was there when he made the phone

call to correct he was happy he was

asking me to ask for it is to postpone

her or taking but I told him I retry you

know Bambang I did not intend to take

over power in the first place but well I

was inside Camp Aguinaldo a camp Grammy

I was thinking about

what will happen and I said if I will if

the military will take over I will

invoke the country into a possible civil

war because the election was the strain

is there is a big block of votes that

voted for Corey there was a big block of

both voted that voted for your father

and I must not exposed to the election

electoral process at that point I'm sure

that if I did if the minute allative

took over and I assume power I will have

enemies inside by a military

organization also then I will very

suppose ability that the two forces that

fought in election will combine unbind

so was it likely that the responsible I

suppose you drop an amine and those who

were opposed to you within the MND

Sentret then you have the bulk of the

military at that point who did who did

not know where to where they will

situate themselves all of that I thought

about it by the way Monday night I

called for Jimmy on ping to come to come

clammy and I said this event that is

happening now will be a protracted event

let us organize the provisional

government to handle the running of our

revolutionary government they said they

proposed five cabinet positions just

defense Finance local government justice

and Foreign Affairs saying I am up at

Kahoot the position so I mean young

defense because I wanted to balance them

for their grand political forces against

the military forces a level given illa

that night that is where I started to

suspect them they filled all the

positions in the cabinet they organized

their own cabinet but you had an

agreement

agreement with Jimmy whooping ikkaku

independent to 200-pound oh yes it's

always been a mystery to me because you

were positioned perfectly to take over

the reins of power and we were all a

little surprised watching this again

from from far away and we were saying

for sure I'm sure

see Minister I was afraid I was afraid

not for not for myself but for the

country that it will cause a bloodbath I

think you were you were similar in

thinking to my father because the one of

the reasons and I we asked I asked him

this directly said why were you so

hesitant to use force in 1986 new metal

gang Pasadena in palacio be no bomb bana

type in a pop put peanut butter in a tie

Organa why were you not Mohammed are a

minimal coming tropi we were very well

prepared because as I said we'd received

the information of an imminent attack to

the on the palace one week before you

and general Ramos went to cram em and

made your stand in Crimea so we would be

we had the chance to prepare so we were

wondering why were we not why did we not

fight back

wait wait wait force and he said that

would have been the beginning of a civil

war yeah which i think is exactly the

the soil and that afternoon of when when

you left the palace i do not know

whether you were returned the president

i was when your he called me first he

asked me do you have any troops around

the palace i said mr. president we do

not have any troops in around the palace

they said but we are there were people

firing at us well those are not our

people can you send someone to help us

to stop the spy rings and so I said I

will send general relieve us there then

I mentioned to him that I have just

talked

spoken to ambassador was warez first at

the time at the time and then

he stopped for a while and then he said

can you just call him back and ask him

to make available to me the services of

General Allen today Allen so that we can

live Mallahan young I called up Bosco

after we had our conversation I call

that boss work and I told him about the

request of the president after a while

Bosworth called me up and he said can

you ask the general Ramos to coordinate

with Teddy Allen to help in the

departure of the president from malaga

young and that's what they did I

remember very well that it was General

Allen but we remember we were waiting

for the American helicopters yeah

because our the presidential helicopter

first also in malacañang Park but they

had already been strafe so may tamanna'

so they were but then the proposal was

that they would send helicopters from

Clark they sent two big helicopters from

Clark and I remember when we crossed

passing river the officer who met us was

general Allen

[Music]

[Applause]

after I talked to the president I I

wrote to work work to the house of

Josephine Cojuangco the sister of Corey

because that's where she was

Corey was there and then when I arrived

arrived his whole cabinet the people who

became her cabinet officials were there

and Dona Aurora and then I reported to

Corey about my conversation with your

dad as well as my conversation with was

war and that the president that was

departing Mulligan young and then Corey

did not know anything about that event

she called Bosworth and then I remember

Corey's they shouted orders were no I do

not want him here yes take him up that's

it I remember that I remember that that

was in the middle of the night already

we were already in Clark the Americans

we still did not know quite what to do

with us the original arrangement does

that we will be flown to Corey requested

that room was for when I made the report

to Horry and because of the interregnum

are the Gullu at that point probably the

transmission of the information to the

operating units of the me American

military was delayed well we were we

were awoken we hadn't slept but it was

in the middle of the night I remember

General Allen has to to see my father

and I said it is resting and he's not in

the best of health and what is it about

and he sat down and he said that we were

surrounded by NPA forces and that there

were two columns of NPA units

there are no NVA that was already they

they misinterpreted the Poway to Hawaii

eventually became the job on that basis

they said we have to fly you out

immediately and instead of going to pop

golly and the excuse that was given was

that we cannot fly to power because

power does not have lights to land in

the middle of the night I knew that you

had an intention of going back up north

because in the warning of just day he

has if I go north

do you think I will be protected of

course I told him and if I get out of

the country can I come back and of

course mr. president your if you are a

president of the country you will be

free to come back to the country most

well my answers to him oh so it was very

much a decision at the time I hope you

join us at stake get out get him out of

the country weather and chorus chorus

knocking she like a choreo americano

because I've been a parent or you can

just a bee

no I do not want him here I like that

that seems to that seems to be the same

report that we got in actually

eventually the Americans told us that we

were actually said the instruction was

that not not to be brought anymore to

Ilocos but to be to be taken out of the

country so so let's take this all of

this now with this is the foundation of

all of the store as a historical

background context see history was

totally distorted to favor one group and

it is unfortunately continuing that is

why exercises are important little by

little the truth will come out well I

are glad that you have asked me to join

this conversation so that at least we

can somehow correct the distortions of

history

I am very grateful today we need to

challenge anybody

here in this country to debate with me

about the event

well today you are your your knowledge

and your perspective is based on actual

experience in actual facts I think that

is the difference between you engine you

I have not lied to the people I have not

manipulated the events I dealt with them

as I faced them whereas ditto on that

note I think I know it is for me to

thank you for allowing as a view into

the any time in any place I am always at

your service

just the Agena data Thank you very

[Music]