Filipinos are not worse than any other colonized people except that our colonization was a little longer, and the independence movement was always dictated in political terms, never in social ones. We borrowed terms, but we didn't understand them.

In this quote, Ferdinand Marcos reflects on the unique challenges faced by the Filipino people as a result of their long history of colonization. Marcos suggests that the experience of colonization was not inherently worse for the Filipinos compared to other colonized nations, but that the length of their colonization made their path to independence particularly complex. He emphasizes that the independence movement in the Philippines was primarily shaped by political considerations, focusing on achieving sovereignty and freedom from colonial powers rather than addressing deeper social issues that affected the lives of ordinary Filipinos.

Marcos criticizes the fact that while the Filipinos fought for political independence, they failed to fully understand and address the social issues that were deeply rooted in their society. He notes that the language and terms of independence were borrowed from other nations, particularly from Western colonial powers, but were not adapted to the specific needs and realities of Filipino society. This led to a situation where social problems—such as poverty, inequality, and lack of education—were not tackled in the same way as the struggle for political freedom, leaving many of the country’s internal issues unaddressed.

The origin of this quote can be traced to Ferdinand Marcos, the former president of the Philippines, who ruled the country for over two decades. While Marcos is often associated with authoritarian rule and martial law, his reflections on colonialism and independence provide insight into the challenges faced by the Philippines in navigating its post-colonial identity. His perspective highlights the gap between political independence and the ability to effect social change, which remains a significant issue in many post-colonial nations.

Ultimately, Marcos’ quote points to the incomplete nature of the Philippines' struggle for independence, where political sovereignty was achieved, but the social foundations necessary for a truly liberated society were neglected. It suggests that real independence involves not only political freedom but also a commitment to addressing social justice and the needs of the people, ensuring that true liberation is felt by all segments of society.