IT’S the 35TH anniversary of the popular uprising that ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos. The EDSA People Power Revolution teaches us that our country is built upon such moments when the people fully use their right to dissent and protest. Through our collective action, we were able to do what was thought impossible – drive out of power one who wielded it to oppress the people economically and politically.
Speaking up and fighting for one’s rights and those of others — the essence of activism — will always be the weapon of the Filipino people against autocrats. No amount of malicious terrorist tagging can ever change that. Today is thus a fitting time to remember all the martyrs and victims of the brutal Marcos regime.
Today’s lesson is also the lesson 35 years ago: To never forget history, because forgetting history means the spread of darkness and the long reign of fear and lawlessness at the hands of those in power.
Yes, let us be reminded of the power of unity. This momentous event in our history should never be credited to one family, or to specific persons, but rather to the millions who marched and courageously fought the dictatorship.
Contrary to inaccurate lore that the February 1986 uprising was an instantaneous event erupting through a supportive response of the people to a military mutiny against the Marcos government, the truth remains — the uprising would never have been possible without the painstaking work of the many who struggled against the unjust and oppressive system, people who dedicated their lives in educating, organizing and mobilizing the poor and toiling majority.
They came from various groups, from the peasants, the workers, the youth, the artists, the professionals, the church people. All of them worked for meaningful actions against dictatorship and towards the assertion of democracy. They risked their lives: many suffered detention, torture, and separation from loved ones. We owe the victory to those who committed their intellectual gifts, precious time, talents , hard work and material wealth to serve the interest of the poor.
The EDSA People Power Revolution reminds us that power emanates from the people and abusive governments will be held to account for their crimes.
