40 years on, EDSA rites draw smaller crowds but 'officially' recognized — historian

While crowds may be smaller four decades after the 1986 uprising, the inclusion of ceremonial honors in recent commemorations signals stronger official recognition of the EDSA People Power revolt, historian Xiao Chua said Wednesday.

Interviewed by Super Radyo dzBB, Chua said that compared to earlier anniversaries, current state-led rites appear more formal and "dignified," pointing to ceremonial salutes now rendered during commemorative events.

"Wala dati 'yan (Those weren't there before)," he said of military honors.

"Ibig sabihin, official na kinikilala ng gobyerno 'yung kabayanihan [ng] taumbayan at 'yung kahalagahan ng event na People Power," Chua said at the sidelines of EDSA anniversary activities.

(That means the government officially recognizes the heroism of the Filipino people and the significance of the People Power event.)

The People Power revolt—which marks its 40th year today, February 25, 2026—led to the ouster of the late president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and restored democratic institutions in the country.

Chua added that earlier commemorations were characterized by large crowds, partly due to strong institutional support and the presence of personalities closely identified with the movement, such as former presidents Corazon Aquino and Fidel Ramos.

With Aquino and Ramos no longer around, and with the event now firmly part of history 40 years on, attendance has gradually declined, he said.

"Eventually, pakaunti nang pakaunti (Eventually, they became fewer and fewer)," Chua said, describing the natural shift from a living political memory to a historical commemoration.

Despite thinner crowds, Chua stressed that significance should not be measured by attendance alone.

He said the formal recognition through state rites, including military participation underscores that EDSA remains an officially acknowledged milestone in Philippine history.

Moreover, Chua added that the "spirit of EDSA" resurfaces during periods of national controversy, such as issues involving corruption, when public discourse returns to matters of accountability and civic action.

As the country marks 40 years since EDSA, Chua said the evolution of its commemoration—from massive gatherings to more solemn state ceremonies, reflects both the passage of time and the institutionalization of its legacy in the nation's democratic narrative. — VDV, GMA Integrated News