A sea of determined faces, a wave of yellow flags, and a chorus of defiant chants echoed through the streets of Manila yesterday, as thousands marched to the People Power Monument. This powerful demonstration marked the 39th anniversary of the People Power Revolution, a poignant reminder of the Filipino people’s unwavering commitment to freedom and democracy in the face of oppression. The march, organized by a coalition of civic groups and activists, served as a forceful rebuttal to the recent removal of EDSA People Power Day from the national holiday calendar.
The air thrummed with a palpable energy, a potent blend of nostalgia and righteous anger. Grandparents, parents, and their children, representing generations touched by the historical events of 1986, marched shoulder-to-shoulder. Their presence was a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of the revolution that toppled the Marcos dictatorship. The iconic monument, a symbol of peaceful resistance, stood as a silent witness to their unwavering resolve.
The 1986 People Power Revolution wasn’t just a spontaneous uprising; it was the culmination of years of simmering discontent under the iron fist of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. His declaration of Martial Law on September 23, 1972, under the guise of combating communism and Moro separatism, effectively silenced dissent and ushered in an era of authoritarian rule. This action, cloaked in the rhetoric of national security, was, in reality, the fulfillment of a long-planned power grab – a fact exposed by the discovery of Marcos’s “Oplan Sagittarius,” a blueprint for seizing control of the government.
For over a decade, the Filipino people endured the systematic erosion of their rights, the blatant theft of public funds, and the pervasive culture of fear and intimidation. However, the seeds of resistance quietly took root, fueled by the courage of countless individuals who dared to speak truth to power. The fraudulent 1986 elections served as the catalyst. The blatant manipulation of the electoral process ignited a national firestorm of protests, culminating in the extraordinary events at EDSA (Epifanio de los Santos Avenue).
From February 22nd to 25th, 1986, the Filipino people, armed with nothing but their unwavering faith in democracy and an unyielding spirit, stood their ground against tanks and soldiers. They faced water cannons, intimidation, and the ever-present threat of violence, yet they remained steadfast, their peaceful resistance a beacon of hope in the face of tyranny. This unwavering display of courage and unity ultimately forced the Marcos family into exile, ushering in an era of renewed hope and the installation of Corazon Aquino as president.
The recent decision by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to remove EDSA People Power Day as a national holiday has been met with widespread condemnation. While the current administration cites a lack of socio-economic impact as the rationale, many see it as an attempt to rewrite history and diminish the significance of a pivotal moment in the nation’s struggle for freedom.
The march today served as a resounding rejection of this attempt at historical revisionism. It was a powerful message to the current administration and, more importantly, a clarion call to the younger generation. The participants emphasized the continuing relevance of the lessons learned during the EDSA Revolution – the importance of vigilance, active citizenship, and the unwavering pursuit of justice and truth. The march stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of People Power and a stark reminder that the fight for freedom and democracy is an ongoing battle that requires constant vigilance and active participation from all Filipinos. The flame of EDSA still burns brightly, inspiring future generations to safeguard their hard-won liberty.
