The EDSA People Power Revolution that took place thirty-nine years ago from February 22 to 25 was a pivotal movement in Philippine history marked by a peaceful and bloodless transition of power. The spirit of EDSA was characterized by a sense of hope, unity and collective action against authoritarian rule, corruption and social injustice, Wennie Sancho, General Alliance of Workers Association (GAWA) said.
“Unfortunately, it is undeniable that our country still grapples with many of the same issues that led to the EDSA Revolution like corruption, political dynasties, and traditional politics which continue to undermine our democratic institutions and hinder progress,” he said.
Sancho laments that it is disheartening when politicians pay lip service to the values and principles of EDSA but their actions and policies don’t align with those ideals.
However, it is essential to recognize that the spirit of EDSA is not solely defined by the absence of these problems but rather it is about the values and principles that the Revolution embodies such as People Power, the recognition that collective action and citizens’ engagement can bring about meaningful change. By celebrating EDSA we have to remind ourselves that the struggle for a more just, equitable and democratic society is ongoing and that we all have the role to play in shaping the future of our country, he said.
The disconnection between the rhetoric and actions of the politicians is a stark reminder that the country still has a long way to go in achieving true democracy and accountable governance. Ultimately, it’s up to the Filipino people to demand better from their leaders, Sancho’s statement said.
In EDSA, the voice of the people long suppressed finally found utterance which validated the use of peaceful protests as means to challenge authoritarian regimes and restore democratic values, he said.
The EDSA Revolution now stands as a powerful symbol of resistance against authoritarianism. The flame of EDSA Revolution shall burn eternal and the struggle of the Filipino people against oppression and tyranny shall live forever in the hearts of men and women who shall value the most cherished gift given to us by God Almighty – freedom and dignity, Sancho said.
This nation may be conquered, trampled upon, but it cannot perish. The flame of freedom, the fire of the EDSA Revolution could never be extinguished in the hearts of the people. Like the sun that dies every evening, it will rise again from the dead. The history and memories of EDSA are a part of our lives. No one, not even the government can erase the memory of EDSA as it is written in the hearts of the people, he added.*
