February 25, 2023, yesterday, marks the 37th anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution, or the so-called Bloodless revolution. Such an occasion, if some may ask, is to be celebrated up to this day for its significance in the Philippines, as a whole. It marked, the end of a dictatorship.
The People Power Revolution began with a nonviolent protest in EDSA in 1986 that toppled the 21-year regime of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and eventually led to the installation of President Corazon Aquino. The most significant thing that happened during such a revolution is that it was a peaceful one. It was a peaceful campaign that shook the foundations of the dictatorial government and allowed the Philippines to experience democracy and freedom after years of suppression and massive corruption.
What made it significant is that, it showed the power of the Filipino people to topple the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. In fact, its nonviolent nature has inspired a lot of revolutions around the world.
This year’s commemoration of the EDSA, however, is in some way ironic. Why? It’s because a Marcos, and not just any Marcos, has once again hold the reins of the Philippine’s Highest Executive position, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., the son of the toppled President.
Ironic, though it seem, I think it’s not right to judge the current Marcos by the actions of the former. Most especially because some of the controversies under the former Marcos is still debatable. I’m not saying, there are people who are judging him by the actions of his father, what I’m trying to say is that, it is not unlike people to judge the actions of their family members on them.
Of course, it is understandable that there is a possibility that majority of the Filipino people have mixed feelings in the observance of this year’s EDSA commemoration, especially to those whose families have been affected by the dictatorship of Marcos. Mixed feelings because, as I have highlighted, the son of the toppled Marcos occupies the highest seat of the land.
To end, history has never failed to teach us painful lessons in the endeavours of those who come before us. Thus, it is up to all of us, citizens and government alike, to remember these lessons. It is up to us to let the EDSA spirit lives on. (AJDB)
