ILOILO City – Cause-oriented groups will march to the Iloilo Provincial Capitol this afternoon to commemorate the 39th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution.
The rally aims to instill the essence of the historical event, especially among the youth.
The 1986 revolution peacefully toppled the authoritarian regime of President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. and restored democracy in the country.
Elmer Forro, secretary-general of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Panay, confirmed that several groups have already pledged to join the rally, which will start at 1 p.m. from two assembly points – the University of the Philippines on General Luna Street in the City Proper, and West Visayas State University in La Paz district.
The marchers will converge at the capitol grounds for a program at 2 p.m.
Forro expressed expectations that the rally would attract a significant number of youth and students.
The mass mobilization seeks to remind the public, especially younger generations, of the importance of the People Power Revolution at a time when the current administration under President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has downgraded its anniversary by declaring February 25 a special working holiday, instead of the usual non-working holiday.
“For now, instead of maintaining the lessons learned, they are slowly being erased. What this means is that the presence of People Power must remain in the minds of the people so that we can prove that the solution to our problems is unity and collective action, which is the essence of People Power,” Forro told Panay News.
Forro also believes that the current administration wants to erase the memory of the People Power Revolution, especially since the Marcos family was at the center of the movement that led to the ouster of Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
The main goal of the rally, Forro said, is to demand accountability from former President Duterte and President Marcos. Under the slogan “Duterte Pagbayarin; Marcos Singilin”, the group calls for justice for human rights violations committed during Duterte’s administration, including the deaths of indigenous people in Tapaz, Capiz, and the killing of innocent civilians during the war on drugs.
The rally also seeks answers from Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio regarding the impeachment complaint filed against her.
Regarding President Marcos, the group demands that the administration address ongoing human rights violations, the rising costs of goods, the destruction of livelihoods for jeepney operators and drivers due to the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP), and other issues.
Crimson Labinghisa, a representative from Kabataan Panay, also confirmed that their youth group would join the rally alongside workers, drivers, farmers, and other sectors.
For Labinghisa, the rally provides an opportunity to honor the sacrifices of Filipinos who gathered and marched during the People Power Revolution./PN
