VP Binay saddened by low turnout of attendees during EDSA anniversary rites

The low turnout of attendees during the celebration of EDSA People Power's 28th Anniversary in Metro Manila on Tuesday was a cause for disappointment for Vice President Jejomar Binay.

“Nalulungkot lang [ako dahil] hindi nabigyan ng tamang selebrasyon na kailangan naman sapagkat ito naman ay makasaysayan,” Binay said in a report on "Balitanghali."

The number of attendees in the celebration was noticeably smaller compared to past celebrations, the report said.

Binay led a wreath-laying ceremony in the People Power Monument along EDSA, where the historic People Power Revolution took place in 1986 and toppled the two-decade dictatorship of President Ferdinand Marcos.

Binay questioned why the main celebration was not held in EDSA. "Siyempre dito naganap... para lang bang halimbawa 'yung pagtataas ng bandera sa Kawit [kaya] ginaganap sa Kawit," he said.

President Benigno Aquino III, whose mother, the late Corazon Aquino, replaced Marcos, has opted to celebrate the anniversary in areas that were ravaged by super typhoon Yolanda.

“Sana 'wag namang mangyari 'yung kinakatakot ng marami na nalimutan na natin at hindi na natin pinag-uukulan ng tamang selebrasyon ang isang makasaysayang araw katulad ng EDSA,” Binay added.

Aside from wreath-laying, an Ecumenical Prayer was held at the People Power Monument, followed by the singing of the five popular EDSA songs including “Bayan Ko” and “Magka-isa.”

A Mass was also held at EDSA Shrine around 12 noon. Another Mass is slated on 5:30 p.m. to be led by Bishop Soc Villegas. — Rouchelle Dinglasan/KBK, GMA News