EDSA Spirit Remains Alive, Says Cory Grandson

As the nation commemorates the 39th anniversary of democracy’s restoration, the grandson of democracy icons Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. and Corazon “Cory” Aquino reminded politicians courting voters this election season of the essence of the EDSA spirit: the discontent of the Filipino people with their government.

During the mass at the EDSA Shrine on the 39th anniversary of the 1986 People Power Revolution on Saturday, Feb. 22, Francis Joseph “Kiko” Aquino Dee, co-convenor of the Buhay ang People Power Campaign Network, stressed the importance of electing leaders who listen to the voice of the people and uphold human rights and integrity.

“If our leaders refuse to listen to their constituents, if our leaders are indifferent to human rights and if our leaders remain corrupt, they must remember that we can change our situation with our own hands,” he said in Filipino.

“I hope we elect leaders who embody the principles of EDSA and those cherished by the Filipino people. I also hope that leaders who are deaf to the needs of our society will be voted out of office,” he added.

Dee also said that Filipinos across the political spectrum are dissatisfied with how the government is being run, presenting an opportunity for those who carry the EDSA flame to amplify the people’s concerns.

“It is up to us who keep the EDSA spirit alive to express the sentiments of the Filipinos and use them to strengthen the foundation of what EDSA stands for. Definitely, those who don’t heed the grievances of the electorate should be prepared for what’s to come in this election,” he said.

Thirty-nine years ago on Saturday, the late Manila archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin called on Filipinos via Radyo Veritas to gather along EDSA to protect then-defense minister Juan Ponce Enrile and then-vice chief of staff Fidel Ramos – both holed up inside Camp Aguinaldo after withdrawing support from former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

This plea ignited the four-day peaceful uprising that ended Marcos Sr.’s two-decade dictatorial rule, forcing him and his family to escape to the United States and installing Cory Aquino as president.

Since then, the 1986 People Power Revolution is remembered not only for its pivotal role in restoring democracy but also for showcasing the strength of nonviolent action.

The bloodless revolt inspired movements worldwide and solidified the Philippines’ commitment to the values of freedom, justice and human dignity.

The EDSA Shrine was later built to commemorate the EDSA Revolution and to honor the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary who, as Cardinal Sin believed, played a key role in the success of the peaceful uprising.

Among those who attended the EDSA Shrine mass for this year’s anniversary were Akbayan party-list nominee Chel Diokno, ML party-list nominee Erin Tañada and former Senate president Franklin Drilon.

Amid national challenges, Diokno called on the Filipino people to draw strength from the spirit of EDSA People Power as an inspiration for courage and to safeguard democracy and justice.

“The country is facing numerous challenges, including the political turmoil between our leaders, high prices of goods and poverty. Now more than ever, we need to harness the spirit of EDSA to weather these challenges,” he said in a statement.

The human rights lawyer also urged government officials to prioritize the welfare of Filipinos by ensuring their needs are met and their rights are protected.

Class suspensions

More schools have announced class suspensions on Feb. 25 to commemorate the 39th anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution, despite President Marcos declaring the day as a “special working holiday.”

Starting with three universities – De La Salle University, University of Santo Tomas and University of the Philippines – which declared the suspension of classes early last week, more than 70 other universities, colleges and high schools have followed suit as of Saturday.

These institutions include universities, colleges, high schools and elementary schools located in areas such as Manila, Quezon City, Cebu City, Baguio City, Mandaluyong City, Pampanga, Marikina City, Batangas City, Lucena City, Parañaque City, Las Piñas, Lucena City, Puerto Princesa, Makati City, Negros Occidental, Tacloban, Butuan City, Tarlac City, Alitagtag, Antipolo City, Tagbilaran City, Baggao, Davao Oriental, Pasig City, Cauayan City and Cavite.

Aside from classes, the local government of Capas, Tarlac also suspended work in its government offices.

Meanwhile, some schools like Philippine Normal University, Lourdes School of Mandaluyong, Lourdes School Quezon City, Holy Angel University, Lyceum of the Philippines University Cavite and University of San Jose Recoletos opted to conduct asynchronous classes instead of face-to-face sessions.

The massive suspension of classes came after the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines-National Capital Region encouraged its 190 member-schools to make Feb. 25 a “non-academic, non-working day” to highlight the significance of the event.

EDSA activities

With the theme “EDSA 39: ‘Di Ka Nag-iisa,” the Buhay ang People Power Campaign Network will host a series of events, including a festival at Rizal Park today at 9 a.m., to voice public frustration over political issues.

An event dubbed “EDSA 39: Panata ng Mamamayan” will also take place on Feb. 25 at 10 a.m. at the People Power Monument as part of the commemoration.

Meanwhile, the anti-corruption group Taumbayan Ayaw sa Magnanakaw at Abusado Network Alliance (TAMA NA), alongside progressive organizations and academic institutions, will lead a multi-sectoral rally at the People Power Monument on Feb. 25.The rally will mark the anniversary of the ouster of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., denounce alleged corruption under the administration of President Marcos Jr., demand the prosecution of former president Rodrigo Duterte over extrajudicial killings tied to the war on drugs and push for an impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte.