Imee Marcos Case- Daughter of Ferdinand Marcos-Philippine Dictator

From My History Readings This Week

On this day in 1977, a student named Archimedes "Archie" Trajano asked a question. A question that cost him his life. In an open forum held in the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Trajano challenged a then 21-year-old Imee Marcos’ appointment as the director of the National Youth council.

“Must the Kabataang Barangay be headed by the president’s daughter? She would not have gotten the position if she weren't the daughter of the president."

That would be the last of when Trajano would be seen. He was then ejected from the forum, blindfolded, and beaten by Marcos’ bodyguards. For approximately two days, he was missing. On September 2, 1977, his body was found dead. His corpse had indicated he had suffered beatings and torture. His body and face were left severely mangled. His own mother described him as ‘black and blue’. At the time, all media were controlled by the Marcos administration, no new reports or articles were ever made about the situation. His death was covered up as a ‘college hazing’.

To this day, Imee Marcos denies having any hand in Trajano’s death. She claimed to have no knowledge and power as she was only 16 at the time despite records proving her wrong. In a court case in 1991, she was sued by Trajano’s mother in Honolulu, Hawaii. Imee was on the record saying:

“Yes, Archimedes Trajano was tortured and killed, but it's none of your business.”

Imee was found guilty of violating fundamental human rights and was sentenced to pay Trajano’s relatives an astounding 4.16 million dollars excluding attorneys’ fees. Tarajano’s relatives have not yet been paid as the Philippine Supreme Court barred the decision. To this day, attempts have been made to collect the amount, yet Imee has somehow evaded or delayed all judiciary summons.

The bottom line: Archimedes Trajano is one of the many victims of Marcos’ tyranny and has yet to receive any justice. All the while, Imee remains free and currently acts as a senator. Where did this country go wrong, and when will the Filipino people ever learn?

- Carl Recto

Sources:

"G.R. No. 130974". Sc.Judiciary.Gov.Ph, 2017, http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/.../G.R.%20No.%20130974.htm.

Mendoza, Meynardo. "Is Closure Still Possible for the Marcos Human Rights Victims?" Social Transformations: Journal of the Global South 1, no. 1, 2013, p. 127. doi:10.13185/st2013.01106.

“Death in the Campus.” Bulletin Today, September 1, 1977.

Robles, Raïssa. "OPINION: Imee Marcos told US court – yes, Archimedes Trajano was tortured and killed but it's none of your business". ABS-CBN News.

Steinhardt, Ralph G. "Volume 20 Issue 1 Article 3 1995 Fulfilling the Promise of Filartiga: Litigating Human Rights Claims Against the Estate of Ferdinand Marcos" (PDF). Yale Journal of International Law. 20 (1), 1995.

TheABSCBNNews. “Imee Marcos on Death of Archimedes Trajano | Anc.” YouTube, 29 May 2019, www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFmoMwFqQ1g.

Meanwhile, Did you Know that IRRI’s most famous creation, IR8 or “Miracle Rice”, doubled yields and revolutionized rice farming worldwide!

In the 1960s, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines developed high-yield rice strains that dramatically boosted rice production across Asia. These innovations, part of the Green Revolution, helped prevent famines in countries like India and Vietnam, ensuring food security for millions.

By improving rice resistance to pests, diseases, and harsh weather, IRRI transformed global agriculture. Today, the institute continues to develop sustainable rice farming methods, keeping the Philippines at the forefront of agricultural research.

Lastly, Did you Know That....

The Philippines was once a major textile producer, supplying fabrics to both local and global markets. The industry thrived for decades, providing jobs to thousands and supporting local cotton and abaca production.

However, the rise of cheap textile imports, lack of government support, and outdated technology led to its decline, forcing many mills to shut down and leaving thousands unemployed.

Today, efforts to revive local weaving and sustainable textiles are growing, but the industry remains a shadow of its former self.