Charles Teves
Netizens let director Darryl Yap have it after he said that the late Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Sr. wasn’t a “dictator”.
In an interview with CNN Philippines’ The Final Word on Tuesday, Yap claimed that his movies about the Marcoses weren’t a form of “historical revisionism” but “historical rectification”.
Yap’s film ‘Martyr or Murderer’ delves into the story of the Marcos family, both before and after the People Power Revolution. It explores their views on the assassination of former Senator Ninoy Aquino.
The film focuses on what he considers to be the most serious allegation against the Marcos family.
The movie ‘Maid in Malacañang’ has faced criticism from various groups, including victims of martial law, academics, and organizations that fought against the dictatorship of former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. The Carmelites Monastery in Cebu, in particular, has condemned a scene in the film that portrays nuns, calling it “malicious” and an “attempt to distort history.”
Despite this backlash, Yap has defended his movie, stating that he simply depicted what happened.
“You know, I’m not a political analyst. I’m a director and a writer. So I just wrote about what happened with the Marcos family,” he explained.
Yap was asked if he sought the advice of historians and researchers while making ‘Martyr or Murderer’. He replied that he had a research team of 30 people, including some from Morocco and Boston, as well as others who are not supporters of the Marcos family.
He also clarified that the film is based on the perspective of Imee Marcos and Imelda Marcos. He also said that he does not consider former President Marcos a dictator.
He explained, “Para po sa akin when I was reading all the scripts, it was very hard to believe that he was a dictator. I don’t see him as a dictator, I just see him as a very, very stiff leader.”
Netizens react to the director’s statement.
https://twitter.com/MaamSyj/status/1630748743908868096?s=20
Historical rectalfication kamo.
Sa butas ng pwet mo nangaling ang version mo ng kasaysayan at lahat ng pinagsasabi mo. https://t.co/wQrAnyxMMu
— kiko rustia (@kikorustia) March 1, 2023
No less than the Supreme Court of the Philippines called him a dictator in Marcos v Manglapus (1989). Darryl is a delusional, paid hack. https://t.co/s9LlOERpEE
— karl #MarcosMamamatayTao (@eicvsfascism) March 1, 2023
https://twitter.com/CondolencePH/status/1630741794408517633?s=20
Iba talaga magagawa ng pera sa taong tulad neto, salat sa matinong pagiisip. What fame whore! Short live lang yan Darryl, it won't last, and you will be back in your own little crazy world.
— Ricky S (@saudiboy2) March 1, 2023
Can we stop covering people who are just spewing lies? Let's admit it, people cannot discern as clearly as we hope.
Ito ngang "direktor" naniwala sa script, hindi sa history books, documentary at kwento ng mga taong buhay noon eh.
— Miguel Balmaceda (@migbalmaceda) March 1, 2023
Not a dictator? the only proof was 20 years of power… Daryll Yap is really a marites director! Hehe
— Elver Ngojo (Steph Vargas) (@VerNgojo) March 1, 2023
https://twitter.com/Umiibig1/status/1630770009067909120?s=20
tang.. mo daryl ka di ba nagsisisi nanay mo na pinanganak ka.. salot ka din pareho ng mga amo mo
— marygrace (@marygra71536959) March 1, 2023
Yap urged Filipinos to watch all the films about the 1986 People Power Revolution that will be shown in cinemas throughout March.
Two of these films are “Oras de Peligro,” which will be shown in cinemas on March 1 as well as “Martyr or Murderer.”
