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.

Losing Someone Who Loves You Unconditionally and Perfectly

From My Readings This Morning

Do you know what the biggest loss in a person’s life is? It’s losing someone you once loved deeply. But do you know what’s a loss a thousand times greater than that? Losing someone who loved you perfectly and unconditionally.

The day you realize that the person who once loved you with tender care, like a doting pet cat, no longer feels the same, you’ll feel a sharp pain in your chest. You’ll wake up in the middle of the night, unable to sleep peacefully.

Not because you lost someone you loved, but because you lost someone who loved you. That regret will tear you apart. The admiration you feel for someone you love may eventually dry up like a river in drought, but the regret of losing someone who truly loved you will burn in your heart for a lifetime, like an eternal flame without a cause.

In this world, countless people will come and go in your life. You may love them deeply and forget them too. But those who love you deeply—such people come into your life only once or twice, and often, not at all.

If you lose a house, you can buy another. If your car breaks down, you can fix it. You can sell, buy, and trade land, owning thousands of properties. But if you lose a cherished person, you’ll never find another like them again.

The person who once waited for you like a faithful dog may still be waiting—but not for you anymore. The person who would’ve gladly died for you just by looking into your eyes may still be ready to die—but not for you. The person who once wanted to live a thousand years resting on your chest may still want to live—but not with their head on your chest.

When you carelessly lose such a perfect person, no compensation in life can ever make up for it.

A person will hold on to their loved one even in the strongest currents, clinging to a straw to survive by the riverbank. But if that person is swept away by the current, they’ll keep going farther and farther, while you do nothing to hold them back. You thought they’d stay, that they wanted to stay, and somehow, they would.

But one day, you wake up on a sunny, sweet morning to find the storm has passed, the flood has subsided—but the person who wanted to stay is no longer there. They’ve been swept away to another river or a different sea. Often, even if a person doesn’t leave on their own, life’s storms will carry them away if you don’t know how to hold on to them.

If you reach out to touch them now, if you go close and say, "Please, caress my head once," you’ll see that in their touch, in their presence, there’s no trace of you anymore.

This is where you’ve suffered your greatest defeat, your biggest loss.

The person is still there—but they’re not yours anymore. This loss will one day make the world, heavy with people, feel like an empty desert to you.

There will be millions of people around you, yet not a single one will feel like your own. There will be countless people who have you, but no one who you truly have.

Such an immense loss can never be compensated for in life. There’s no replacement for such a precious person once they’re gone.

It’s impossible—utterly impossible. Lose someone like this once, and you’ll understand everything clearly. So, while there’s still time, value the ones who truly matter.

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2024/03/i-was-primary-care-giver-to-loved-one.html

Meanwhile, enjoy this abstract Painting:

Lastly, Seven Places to Stay Silent at All Costs

Losing Someone who Loved You Perfectly

From My Readings This Morning

Do you know what the biggest loss in a person’s life is? It’s losing someone you once loved deeply. But do you know what’s a loss a thousand times greater than that? Losing someone who loved you perfectly and unconditionally.

The day you realize that the person who once loved you with tender care, like a doting pet cat, no longer feels the same, you’ll feel a sharp pain in your chest. You’ll wake up in the middle of the night, unable to sleep peacefully.

Not because you lost someone you loved, but because you lost someone who loved you. That regret will tear you apart. The admiration you feel for someone you love may eventually dry up like a river in drought, but the regret of losing someone who truly loved you will burn in your heart for a lifetime, like an eternal flame without a cause.

In this world, countless people will come and go in your life. You may love them deeply and forget them too. But those who love you deeply—such people come into your life only once or twice, and often, not at all.

If you lose a house, you can buy another. If your car breaks down, you can fix it. You can sell, buy, and trade land, owning thousands of properties. But if you lose a cherished person, you’ll never find another like them again.

The person who once waited for you like a faithful dog may still be waiting—but not for you anymore. The person who would’ve gladly died for you just by looking into your eyes may still be ready to die—but not for you. The person who once wanted to live a thousand years resting on your chest may still want to live—but not with their head on your chest.

When you carelessly lose such a perfect person, no compensation in life can ever make up for it.

A person will hold on to their loved one even in the strongest currents, clinging to a straw to survive by the riverbank. But if that person is swept away by the current, they’ll keep going farther and farther, while you do nothing to hold them back. You thought they’d stay, that they wanted to stay, and somehow, they would.

But one day, you wake up on a sunny, sweet morning to find the storm has passed, the flood has subsided—but the person who wanted to stay is no longer there. They’ve been swept away to another river or a different sea. Often, even if a person doesn’t leave on their own, life’s storms will carry them away if you don’t know how to hold on to them.

If you reach out to touch them now, if you go close and say, "Please, caress my head once," you’ll see that in their touch, in their presence, there’s no trace of you anymore.

This is where you’ve suffered your greatest defeat, your biggest loss.

The person is still there—but they’re not yours anymore. This loss will one day make the world, heavy with people, feel like an empty desert to you.

There will be millions of people around you, yet not a single one will feel like your own. There will be countless people who have you, but no one who you truly have.

Such an immense loss can never be compensated for in life. There’s no replacement for such a precious person once they’re gone.

It’s impossible—utterly impossible. Lose someone like this once, and you’ll understand everything clearly. So, while there’s still time, value the ones who truly matter.

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2024/03/i-was-primary-care-giver-to-loved-one.html

Meanwhile, enjoy this abstract Painting:

Lastly, Seven Places to Stay Silent at All Costs

Interesting Vignettes from the US- Philippines Relationship

During U.S. rule (1898–1946), Filipinos were often referred to as “Little Brown Brothers” by American officials, particularly by William Howard Taft, the first U.S. Governor-General of the Philippines. This phrase reflected the paternalistic attitude of the U.S., which saw Filipinos as needing American “guidance” toward civilization and self-governance.

The U.S. introduced English as the primary language of education, established a public school system, and promoted democratic institutions. However, American rule also sparked strong resistance, leading to the bloody Philippine-American War (1899–1902)💚, where hundreds of thousands of Filipinos died. Guerrilla fighters continued to resist U.S. control even after the war was officially declared over. Despite these conflicts, American influence left a lasting impact on Filipino culture, politics, and education.

💚 The Philippine-American War, 1899–1902

Meanwhile, After its defeat in the Spanish-American War of 1898, Spain ceded its longstanding colony of the Philippines to the United States in the Treaty of Paris. On February 4, 1899, just two days before the U.S. Senate ratified the treaty, fighting broke out between American forces and Filipino nationalists led by Emilio Aguinaldo who sought independence rather than a change in colonial rulers. The ensuing Philippine-American War lasted three years and resulted in the death of over 4,200 American and over 20,000 Filipino combatants. As many as 200,000 Filipino civilians died from violence, famine, and disease.

The Battle of Pulang Lupa (Filipino: Labanan sa Pulang Lupa, Spanish: Batalla de Tierra Roja) was an engagement fought on September 13, 1900, during the Philippine–American War, between the forces of Colonel Maximo Abad and Devereux Shields, in which Abad's men defeated the American force.

"The severity with which the inhabitants have been dealt would not look well if a complete history of it were written out." —Governor-General of the Philippines William Howard Taft, concerning the U.S. Army campaign on the island of Marinduque during the Philippine–American War of 1899–1902 

Shields' defeat sent shock waves through the American high command. Aside from being one of the worst defeats suffered by the Americans during the war, it was especially significant given its proximity to the upcoming election between President William McKinley and his anti-imperialist opponent William Jennings Bryan, the outcome of which many believed would determine the ultimate course of the war. Consequently, the defeat triggered a sharp response.

Arthur MacArthur, Jr. sent Brig. Gen. Luther Hare with "orders to treat the entire male population over fifteen as potential enemies and to arrest as many as possible and hold them hostages until Abad surrendered." 

Hare secured the release of Shields and his men.  Maj. Frederick A. Smith continued the policy of destroying food and shelter in the interior of the island, and moving all civilians into the towns. Although Abad and most of his command continued to elude the American military, the civilian population was suffering for it, with many landowners and merchants joining the Federal Party, turning against Abad. These new tactics led to the surrender of Abad in April 1901.

A Historical Celebration of the Battle of Pulang Lupa ( Red Earth) is held annually in Marinduque- my second Home

Meanwhile: Here's the latest news on the Philippine-US as of  February 19, 2025.

The United States stands with its ally the Philippines to condemn the unsafe and 

irresponsible actions by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLAN) to interfere 

with a Philippine maritime air operation in the vicinity of Scarborough Reef.  A Chinese 

helicopter came within three meters of a Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Resources

 plane conducting routine overflight, endangering the safety of the aircraft and its crew. 

 This incident follows China’s separate unsafe and unprofessional maneuver on 

February 11 that endangered an Australian aircraft that was conducting a routine

 maritime patrol in the South China Sea.

The 1951 United States-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty extends to armed attacks

 on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft – including those of its Coast 

Guard – anywhere in the South China Sea.

Lastly, Have You Heard of the.....

Naked Man Orchid (Orchis italica)

Orchis italica, the naked man orchid or the Italian orchid, is a species of orchid native to the Mediterranean Basin. It gets its common name from the lobed lip (labellum) of each flower which mimics the general shape of a naked man. In Italy, it is believed that the consumption of the plant is conducive to virility. It prefers partial shade and low nutrient soil, and flowers in April. Orchis Italica grows up to 50 centimetres (20 in) in height, with bright pink, densely clustered flowers.

Have a Fantastic Wednesday, Every One!

The Toxic Leader- Reaction to my Article on MicroManagement

A couple of months ago, I wrote in my blogs the bad effects of Micromanagement inspired by the past rapid employees turnover here at THD. 

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2025/02/the-effects-of-micromanagement-my.html

I have numerous comments mostly orally from readers. However, one of my readers sent me the following article and I am sharing it with you.   

Seven  Signs You’re Dealing with a Toxic Leader ⚠️Hopefully you don't relate ❤ Not all bad leaders yell, micromanage, or steal credit.  Some are subtle - but just as destructive.  If you’ve ever felt drained, undervalued, or second-guessing yourself, you might be dealing with a toxic leader.

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁 𝗼𝗻𝗲:

🔴 1. They Lead with Fear, Not Trust

➝ People stay silent because speaking up feels unsafe. ➝ Mistakes are punished, not used for learning.

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⚡ 2. They Take Credit but Shift Blame

➝ Success? "That was me." ➝ Failure? "That was you."

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⛔ 3. They Micromanage Everything

➝ No autonomy, no ownership, no trust. ➝ Every tiny decision must go through them.

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🌫️ 4. They Create Confusion Instead of Clarity

➝ Priorities aren't clear & it’s your fault if things go wrong. ➝ Expectations are vague, yet you’re always “falling short.”

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💀 5. They Drain Energy Instead of Fueling It

➝ Every interaction leaves you exhausted, not empowered. ➝ Morale is low, and turnover is high.

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🎭 6. They Play Favorites

➝ Some employees have it easy, others are overlooked. ➝ Politics matter more than performance.

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🚪 7. They Block Growth

➝ No development, no mentorship, no career path. ➝ Good people leave. The rest stop trying.

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🔥 Great leaders build people. Toxic ones break them.

For complete details read:

 https://www.betterup.com/blog/8-toxic-leadership-traits-to-avoid-plus-how-to-spot-them

Lastly, my quote of the Day;