‘HONOR THE ESSENCE’ | Filipinos urged to remember EDSA People Power, reject charter change

February 26, 2024 , 11:10 AM

By Beatrice Puente

(February 26, 2024) – As the Philippines marked the 38th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, progressive groups on Sunday urged Filipinos not to forget the significance of the historic event that restored the country’s democracy after the dictatorship.

Sectoral organizations trooped to the EDSA Shrine to commemorate the peaceful uprising that led to the ouster of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. from Malacañang. A wreath-laying ceremony was also conducted in the EDSA People Power Monument yesterday.

Beyond calling to remember the lessons of the watershed event, the groups also stressed the importance of opposing charter change, arguing that such efforts would only dilute the gains of the people’s collective effort for democracy almost four decades ago.

“Honoring the essence of EDSA entails a steadfast commitment to safeguarding our sovereignty,” said the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) in a statement. “We are confronted anew with a pressing challenge: The elaborate schemes to alter the 1987 Philippine Constitution.”

It also highlighted the significance of “exercising (people’s) collective power” in thwarting moves that will negatively affect the country in the long run.

“It is important and paramount to protect the foundational laws that restore and uphold the dignity of our people. Our hard-fought victories over the years serve as a safeguard against further attempts to degrade, disrespect, or assault our freedom,” added NCCP.

Kabataan Rep. Raoul Manuel likewise noted the important role of the youth in carrying the legacy of the EDSA People Power Revolution.

This year, the administration of President Bongbong Marcos Jr. did not include the EDSA People Power Anniversary in the list of holidays because, according to his office, it fell on a Sunday.

No official statement was issued by the Malacañang on the anniversary. Marcos, however, talked about the need to learn from both sides of history in his latest vlog, where he replied to letters sent to the Bahay Ugnayan.

“Huwag kayong magbabasa ‘yung isa lang na bagay, basahin niyo lahat,” said Marcos. “Ang turo sa akin ng lola ko, ‘Magbasa ka ng kahit ano at ikaw na ang bahala na mangilatis kung ano ‘yung maganada at ano ‘yung hindi tama.’ That’s what you have to do. And that’s what history can guide us with.”

Based on figures from Amnesty International, 3,240 were killed, 34,000 were tortured, and 70,000 were imprisoned during martial law. Reports from the Presidential Commission on Good Government also showed that the Marcos family’s ill-gotten wealth during their reign totaled up to $10 billion.

Tanggol Kasaysayan reiterated that the abuses of Martial Law should no longer be repeated. The progressive group also stressed that the 1987 Constitution must be protected.

“Bahagi ito ng pagkilala sa tagumpay ng Pag-aalsang EDSA ng 1986 kung saan ang taumbayan ang naging balon ng paglaban at pag-asa sa panahon na ang mga institusyong legal ay sinasamantala para sa mga pansariling interes,” said Tanggol Kasaysaysan. “Panatilihing buhay ang diwa ng pag-aalsang EDSA ng 1986.”

(PM)

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