Rewriting History: Erasing the Dark Past of Martial Law?
By: Troy Melegrito
The four days of unity and power demonstrated by Filipinos in 1986 marked a significant turning point in Philippine history—the EDSA People Power Revolution. As a result, every 25th of February is celebrated to commemorate the triumph of freedom and democracy over the decades-long dictatorship of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. However, Malacañang Palace, under the administration of his son, President Bongbong Marcos, recently downgraded the 39th anniversary of People Power to merely a “special working day.”
Given this move, one must question the underlying agenda. Is it a calculated attempt to erase from people’s minds the historic significance of the People Power Revolution?
In the last couple of years, as stated in Proclamation No. 90, the administration moved the EDSA anniversary to February 24 and designated it as a special non-working holiday to adjust the holiday schedule. As a result, February 25 was shifted to a regular working day.
This decision has drawn criticism from various groups, including religious organizations, that uphold the spirit of the bloodless revolution. They argue that the significance of the exact date—when Filipinos united and risked their lives to protect democracy—should not be diminished.
Despite February 25 being declared a special working day, many universities, colleges, and other schools still chose to observe it as a non-working holiday in commemoration of the EDSA People Power Revolution. Furthermore, numerous groups are organizing programs at EDSA on February 25 to celebrate its 39th anniversary.
As a Filipino, I strongly believe that we must give great importance to commemorating People Power Revolution Day because of its significant impact on our history as a nation. This event not only demonstrated how Filipinos believed in and fought to protect democracy, but it also serves as a reminder that the true heroes of EDSA were not the politicians who joined the revolution later, but the ordinary people who gathered at EDSA for hours—praying and hoping that God would restore democracy in our great nation.
The people’s revolution is the foundation of the liberty we are experiencing, democracy, and owning our rights as Filipino citizens. The authoritarian rule, corruption, human rights abuses, and political repression were no longer seen, and will never be. And that is because people reclaimed their power, the power to choose their leaders, the power to fight against the malpractice and misconduct of the public officials, and the power to be heard.