MANILA – Filipinos must set aside “petty” political differences to keep the legacy of the EDSA revolution relevant in the years ahead, according to President Rodrigo Duterte.
“I, therefore, join the valiant heroes of EDSA and the countless others whose lives touched by this bloodless uprising in commemorating its 34th anniversary with the renewed hope that the succeeding generations of Filipinos will also have the courage, strength, and determination to protect, defend, and preserve the liberties that we have won during that historic revolution,” Duterte said in his message.
“Inspired by the freedoms that we secured in February 1986, let us all, rise above our petty political differences so that we may, together, ensure that the legacy of Edsa will remain relevant in the years ahead,” he added.
President Duterte also said that the People Power Revolution remains “one of the most remarkable events in our nation’s history” as it is regarded as bloodless movement that ousted the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
Vice President Leni Robredo, in a separate message, has reminded the Filipinos that the Edsa People Power movement is a warning to abusive leaders that strongman rules will never succeed.
“Magsilbi nawang babala ang EDSA sa sinuman ang muling magtatangkang ikuyom tayo sa loob ng kamaong bakal: Hindi sila magtatagumpay,” Robredo said.
“Ngayon, may mga nagtatangkang burahin ang alaala ng EDSA para sa pansarili nilang agenda. Tatlumpu’t apat na taon pa lang ang nakakalipas: kasama pa natin ngayon ang marami sa nagtipon noon—silang mga sumubaybay sa balita habang nagaganap ang rebolusyon, at malamang ay nakadanas din ng pagmamalupit ng diktadurya,” she added./PN
