Photo by Dabet Castañeda / Bulatlat
Bulatlat.com

The cedula (community tax certificate) was the symbol of the subjugation of the Filipino people during the Spanish colonial period. Revolutionary forces under the banner of the Katipunan led by Andres Bonifacio tore cedulas on Aug. 26, 1896 in Pugad Lawin as a symbol of the rejection of colonial subjugation and the beginning of a long fight for freedom. Nearly 110 years later, the cedula has once again been a symbol of sorts. Army Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan has ordered residents in Central Luzon to secure and present these documents to prove their loyalty to the government or face dire consequences. There were reports of manhandling and abuses inflicted by soldiers on residents who failed to present their cedula. Will there be another tearing of cedulas in the future to protest these abuses?

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