Pinoys mark 32nd anniversary of EDSA People Power uprising

Hundreds gathered on Sunday morning at the People Power Monument in Quezon City to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the People Power uprising that toppled in 1986 the two-decade Ferdinand Marcos dictatorial rule.

Incumbent and former government officials are expected to join the anniversary events that began with a Eucharistic celebration officiated by Fr. Harold Rentoria, OSA, commissioner of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

Dying democracy?

But at the other side of the People Power Monument, a separate Mass  was offered by "running priest" Fr. Robert Reyes and a group of supporters in protest against what they call the  "dying democracy" that the Filipino people once won on EDSA.

Earlier in the day, the group was pushed away from the place at the monument designated as holding area for VIPs in preparation for the conduct of the scheduled  events for the day.

The group then continued their activities at the left side of the monument.

Several officials arrived early for the event, including former President and EDSA People Power leader Fidel V. Ramos and Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista.

Mayor Bautista visited the group of Fr. Reyes having a Mass at the other side of the monument.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno also joined the morning events.

Meanwhile, Ramos led the wreath-laying ceremony in front of the monument.

He also led the Salubungan, the traditional reenactment of the historic meeting of government forces and civilians on EDSA in 1986.

In many occasions during the event, Ramos himself reenacted his iconic "jump," for which he had since become famous for.

During the program, Ramos was given the People's Power Heroes Award for his role in 1986 uprising.

Also given the EDSA People Power Commission Award were Capt. Michael Asistores, commanding officer of the 5th Scout Ranger Company of the Philippine Army and PO3 Christopher Lalan.

The Spirit of EDSA Foundation and Good Citizenship Award, meanwhile, was conferred to Melvin Gaa, an employee of the NCCC Mall in Davao City who was killed after he saved fellow employees trapped inside the building while it was burning.

Duterte: Enrich democracy

While President Rodrigo Duterte did not join the event, on Saturday he called on Filipinos to "enrich our democracy" by empowering the citizens and defending their rights.

In his message for the 32nd anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, Duterte also sought the Filipinos' help in strengthening institutions that safeguard their freedom.

"May this occasion forster the unity and solidarity as we pursue our hopes and aspirations for our nation," the President said.

Duterte noted how Filipinos, through the historic peaceful uprising of 1986, showed the world how "a people's courage and resolve can alter the course of our nation's history."

For four days from February 22-25, 1986, millions of Filipinos trooped to the stretch of Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) to hold demonstrations that led to end the more than 20-year dictatorial rule of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos.

It began with then-Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and former Philippine Constabulary chief Ramos turning their backs on Marcos.

It culminated in millions gathering at EDSA to call for Marcos' ouster and to the swearing-in of Cory Aquino, the widow of slain Senator Benigno Aquino Jr., as president of the Philippines and the Marcos family fleeing Malacañang to end their rule. —LBG, GMA News