House bill seeks return of EDSA People Power anniversary as regular holiday

A bill declaring February 25 every year as a regular holiday in commemoration of the EDSA People Power Revolution that ousted then President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. after a 20-year regime has been filed in the House of Representatives. 

Akbayan party-list lawmakers Chel Diokno, Percival Cendaña, Dadah Ismula, as well as Dinagat Islands Rep. Arlene Bag-ao made the proposal under House Bill 7911, saying February 25 should be declared a regular holiday to commemorate “the peaceful 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution that ousted President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr., toppled the authoritarian regime that he established, and restored democracy in the Philippines.”

As such, the bill provides that all applicable laws and civil service rules on regular holidays will be observed every February 25. 

“The EDSA People Power Revolution demonstrated to the world the sovereign will of a united people committed to freedom, constitutional government, and the rule of law,” the lawmakers said in their explanatory note. 

“It restored democratic space, revived independent institutions, and paved the way for the ratification of the 1987 Constitution, which enshrined safeguards against tyranny and strengthened the protection of civil liberties and human rights," they added.

The lawmakers noted that in recent years, the observance of February 25 has been subject to varying classifications, at times diminishing the full recognition of its historical and civic significance.

"Given its profound impact on the nation's democratic life, the State has the duty to preserve historical truth and honor the collective courage of the Filipino people,” they added.

In 2023, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. moved the February 25 special non-working day to February 24, a Friday, citing holiday economics.

In succeeding years, Marcos has not included February 25 as a holiday, whether regular or special. 

Likewise, the bill provides for the necessary appropriations to support commemorative and educational activities, particularly through the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

“Institutionalizing EDSA People Power Day as a regular holiday is a declaration that the spirit of People Power Revolution remains central to our national identity. It is a reminder that democratic institutions endure only when citizens remain vigilant and engaged,” the lawmakers said. —AOL, GMA Integrated News