Rebels With a Cause: The Name That Says It All
Let's talk about that name for a second. Philippine Violators. It's bold. It's confrontational. It's punk as hell.
But here's what you need to understand, friend: these guys aren't violating the Philippines. They're not trying to tear down the country they love. No, they're violators in a musical sense—rebels who violated every rule the music industry tried to impose on them, who violated expectations of what Filipino music should sound like, who violated the status quo that said punk rock couldn't thrive in a third-world country.
The name Philippine Violators is a declaration of independence. It's them saying, "We're going to play fast, loud, angry music, and we don't care if it makes you uncomfortable." They're musical rebels, cultural disruptors, sonic anarchists. But their rebellion isn't against the Philippines—it's FOR the Philippines. It's about giving voice to frustrations, questioning authority, and creating a space where Filipino youth could express themselves honestly and loudly.
Think about it this way: while other bands were trying to fit into neat, marketable boxes, the Philippine Violators were kicking down the doors of those boxes and setting them on fire. They violated the rules because the rules were designed to keep authentic voices silent. They violated expectations because expectations were built on maintaining the comfortable status quo.
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| Phil. Violators' art cover for their album, "Third Offense" released in 94, believed to be their most popular release according to fans and critics. |
So yeah, they're violators. But they're OUR violators—the ones who fought for the right to make the music they believed in, on their own terms, without compromise. And for nearly 40 years, they've been proving that sometimes you need to violate the rules to create something truly revolutionary.
Now, allow us to tell you their story.
Who Are Philippine Violators?
Considered as the "godfathers" of the original 1980's Philippines punk scene, they are one of the few bands from that bygone era who remain. Think about that for a second—in a genre and era where most bands burned bright and fast, the Philippine Violators have been cranking out punk rock for nearly four decades.
Their first gig was at the legendary club called Katrina's, and from that moment, Filipino punk rock would never be the same.
The Brothers Espiritu: The Heart and Soul
Charlie "Bong" Espiritu (Vocals) The voice of the Philippine Violators. Bong has been the constant presence throughout the band's entire history, the one original member still actively performing. His vocals defined the band's sound—raw, passionate, and uncompromising.
Jesus "Senor Rotten" Espiritu (Guitar) The musical creative force behind the band since day one. Jesus eventually migrated to England in 2011 but remained involved with the band until releasing the Rarities vinyl in 2023 as his final contribution to the legacy.
These two brothers built something that lasted nearly 40 years in an industry and genre notorious for burning out fast.
The Context: Punk Rock Under a Dictatorship
Here's where their story gets really powerful. As many US punk bands emerged from the disgruntled (yet oftentimes affluent) suburban neighborhoods, The Phil.Violators emerged from a third world country then ruled by a corrupt dictatorship under Ferdinand Marcos.
In the Philippines, the early punk scene was much less of a fashion statement than in the US & more about mobilizing for true change. This wasn't about mohawks and safety pins as accessories. This was about survival, about speaking truth, about refusing to stay silent in a time when silence meant complicity.
Imagine being a young punk rocker in the mid-80s Philippines. You're not just rebelling against your parents or social norms—you're living under an oppressive regime where speaking out could have serious consequences. The Philippine Violators and their contemporaries weren't just making music—they were making statements, taking risks, and creating a movement.
The Sound: Raw, Fast, and Unapologetically Punk
The Philippine Violators play straightforward punk rock—fast, aggressive, melodic, and filled with social commentary. Their music is raw and energetic, built on power chords, driving basslines, pounding drums, and vocals that range from melodic to shouted anthems.
Check out their most viewed live performance of Phil. Violators most popular track, "Sikat Na Si Pedro"
They covered everything from school violence to freedom, from dead chickens to stupid faith. Their songs tackled topics that mattered to Filipino youth: exploitation, frustration, alienation, and the struggle to find your place in a society that didn't seem to care about you.
This wasn't polished, radio-friendly pop-punk. This was punk rock in its purest form—angry, honest, and uncompromising.
The Twisted Red Cross Era: Building a Movement
The Phil.Violators became regulars performing frequent gigs throughout the country and releasing material on the now legendary Filipino punk record label, Twisted Red Cross (TRC).
Twisted Red Cross was a revered cassette-only DIY label that operated from 1985 to 1989, founded by Tommy Tanchanco, a pivotal figure in the Philippine punk scene. The label released 17 albums that set the parameters of the Philippine punk sound, championing fierce local talent.
Being part of Twisted Red Cross wasn't just about releasing music—it was about being part of a community, a movement, a revolution happening in basements, bars, and back alleys across Manila.
The Complete Discography: Decades of Punk Rock Excellence
Philippine Violators At Large (1987)
Their debut album, released on cassette through Twisted Red Cross. This was the one that started it all. Songs included powerful tracks that established their sound and cemented their place in Filipino punk history.
Major Label Era (Early 1990s)
After gaining notoriety in the underground scene, the Phil. Violators were ultimately scooped up by a major label during the "alternative-music-boom" of the early 90's caused by the success of US bands like Nirvana & Green Day.
This enabled them to play larger venues, gain new fans, and solidify their status as legitimate Filipino music legends. But they never sold out—they just got louder.
20th Anniversary Compilation (2004)
Released under Cyber Slave Records and distributed internationally, this compilation included all their hits from two decades of musical career. For Pinoy punk aficionados who grew up with their music, this was a treasure trove of memories and anthems.
Rarities 2023 (2023)
Unleashing 10 tracks of his rarest recordings, the Philippine Violators Rarities 2023 Vinyl is the final endeavor of Senor Rotten for his beloved band. Pressed in the United Kingdom, the independently released record features songs written more than a decade ago and were recorded and mastered before Jesus Espiritu migrated to England in 2011.
This vinyl release represents Jesus Espiritu's final salvo for the fans who diligently supported the music for 39 years—a rare piece of Pinoy punk history.
Various Compilations
Throughout their career, the Philippine Violators have appeared on numerous compilations including:
- Rescue Ladders & Human Barricade: 3rd Bombardment (1986)
- The Fighting Filipinos (1987)
- Swedish / Philippinian HC (1990)
- Screams From the Underground II: Screaming Mob (1995)
- Punk Rock Makes the World Go Round (1997)
- Screams From a Rare Music Past Volumes 1 & 2 (2005)
- OPM Timeless Banda Hits (2014)
Essential Tracks You Need to Hear
While exact track listings vary across releases, here are some of the Philippine Violators' most iconic songs:
- "Sikat Na Si Pedro" – Their most popular song, a classic that became a punk anthem
- "We Take It Along" – Their most popular English track.
- "Lahat Sa Tropa" – About loyalty and brotherhood
- "Kaibigan" – Friendship in the punk scene
- "Ipako Sa Krus" – One of their most controversial tracks
Building an Empire: RMD Records
Later, the Phil.Violators started their own record label, RMD Records, to help produce and distribute new Filipino punk bands.
This is huge. The Philippine Violators didn't just make their own music—they created infrastructure for the next generation of punk bands. RMD Records (Rare Music Distribution) became a vital hub for the scene's survival in the '90s, acting as a primary depot for merchandise and releases.
They weren't just godfathers because they were the oldest—they were godfathers because they actively mentored, supported, and enabled younger bands to thrive.
The Bottom Line: Why Philippine Violators Matters
For nearly 40 years, through lineup changes and scene shifts, through major label deals and returns to the underground, through dictatorship and democracy, the Philippine Violators have been making honest, aggressive, meaningful punk rock.
So whether you're a longtime fan who remembers their Twisted Red Cross days or someone just discovering Filipino punk, do yourself a favor: dive into the Philippine Violators' discography. Listen to the raw energy of their early cassettes. Appreciate the longevity represented by their albums and compilation. Marvel at the fact that they're still going strong enough to release a rarities album in 2023.
Long live the Phil.Violators. Long live Filipino punk. Long live rebellion with a purpose.
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