A retired judge in Cebu City has vivid memories of the EDSA People Power Revolution, being an active participant in the struggle to oust the Marcos administration in 1986. 

Retired Judge Meinrado Paredes said that he was one with the people at Fuente Osmeña 40 years ago. 

He pointed out that prior to the People Power Revolution on February 25, 1986, there were already mass actions in 1984 and in 1985. In fact, he showed documents as proof of local initiatives to oust the Marcos administration because of corruption and various forms of abuses.

Paredes is one of the leaders of the Samahang Demokratiko ng Kabataan, and a member of Bayan that time as representative of the professional sector in the Visayas. However, he said, there were policies of the group that he is against, such as the boycott of elections.

It is the group’s stand that the 1986 struggle is a clash of the ruling class. However, for him, participation of the people is essential to oust the Marcos Regime. So, he joined the People Power Revolution that the Cebuanos held at Fuente Osmeña simultaneously with the People Power in EDSA.

Prior to the local version of the People Power Revolution, Paredes said, Cory Aquino, who was then a presidential candidate, sought refuge in the Carmelite Monastery in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City for 14 hours before heading back to Manila and joined the people at EDSA.

Exactly four decades after, but what has EDSA People Power Revolution achieved? Paredes replied that that historic moment has underscored the need for Filipinos, especially the youth to carry on the torch of nationalism, a great love of country and citizenship.