Keep EDSA Revolution spirit alive — groups

Several activist and religious groups called on the nation to keep the spirit of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution alive as Filipinos mark its 39th anniversary on Tuesday.

In a statement, religious organization One Faith, One Nation, One Voice said the EDSA People Power 1 is a reminder that people united in faith and purpose can overcome tyranny.

"We must educate ourselves and our communities about the realities of injustice, the distortions of history, and the threats to democracy. Let us root ourselves in Scripture and in the social teachings of the Church so that our faith informs our activism," the group said.

"The challenge is before us. Will we remain passive in the face of oppression, or will we rise as a prophetic voice for justice and righteousness? The spirit of EDSA is alive whenever we choose to act in faith, speak truth to power, and build a nation where justice and peace reign," it added.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) commended the citizens and groups who commemorated the EDSA Revolution despite supposed efforts to bury it in oblivion.

"Sa impeachment trial man o sa darating na eleksyon, at maging sa mga susunod pang panahon, nanawagan kami sa kapwa Pilipino na tanganan ang kapangyarihan ng mamamayan at gamitin ito upang ipaglaban ang tunay na pagbabago ng lipunan," Bayan president Renato Reyes Jr. said.

(Whether in the impeachment trial or the upcoming elections, and even in the future, we call on fellow Filipinos to take hold of the power of the people and use it to fight for real change in society.)

"Hamunin ang mga dinastiya at ang rehimen ng mga kurap at mapang-abuso. Hamunin ang mga dayuhang nandaramabong sa bansa. Hamunin ang pananaw na walang ibang alternatibo kundi ang bulok na sistemang umiiral," Reyes said.

(Let us challenge the dynasties and the regime of the corrupt and abusive. Challenge the foreigners looting the country. Challenge the view that there is no alternative to the rotten system that exists.)

Meanwhile, Student Christian Movement of the Philippines (SCMP) called on the youth to "relieve the spirit of People Power and as the necessity grows, reenact it."

"The Christian youth together with the Church have a long history of being instruments of justice, freedom, and just peace. Let us uphold our Christian duty as defenders of the oppressed—serve the people!" SCMP chairperson Kej Andres said.

"These past few days we have once again proven that the People Power spirit is alive. With various universities, different churches, and local government units taking the initiatives to lobby for a holiday and to encourage everyone to participate in educational discussion and mass actions," he added.

The EDSA People Power Revolution anniversary was declared a special working day this year, falling on a Tuesday. Several schools have announced suspensions of classes to commemorate the occasion.

The 1986 uprising ousted the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and installed Corazon Aquino, widow of slain senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., as president. — VDV, GMA Integrated News