VP Sara: Filipinos have ‘forgotten the essence’ of 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution

Vice President Sara Duterte said many Filipinos may have forgotten the “essence” of the EDSA People Power Revolution, as the country marks its 40th anniversary.

Speaking to reporters during her visit to flood-hit communities in Iligan City on Tuesday, Duterte questioned whether present-day commemorations fully reflect the original message of the historic uprising.

“Nakalimutan na kasi ata ng mga tao ano ‘yung essence ng 1986 EDSA Revolution," she said. 

(It seems people have already forgotten the essence of the 1986 EDSA Revolution.)

She added that those organizing and participating in anniversary marches may no longer fully understand the revolution’s core message.

“Kaya ‘yung mga nagmamartsa o magmamartsa bukas o nag-oorganize bukas hindi nila talaga alam kung ano ba talaga ‘yung mensahe nila sa taong bayan,” she noted. 

(That’s why those marching or organizing marches tomorrow may not truly know what message they are conveying to the people.)

February 25 commemorates the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution, which ousted the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and sent him and his family into exile in Hawaii.

In 2021, Duterte allied with Marcos Sr.'s son Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. for the 2022 presidential elections, with the pair winning as vice president and president respectively. Their alliance has soured in recent years.

In 2023, President Marcos Jr. moved the February 25 special non-working day to February 24, a Friday, citing holiday economics. In succeeding years, he has not included February 25 as a holiday, whether regular or special. 

On Tuesday, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said Marcos will study the proposal declaring February 25 every year as a regular holiday in commemoration of the EDSA People Power Revolution. She said the proposed measure has not yet reached the President. — BM, GMA Integrated News