Marcos offers 'hand of reconciliation' on 37th EDSA People Power anniversary

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Saturday offered a "hand of reconciliation" on the 37th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution.

"As we look back to a time in our history that divided the Filipino people, I am one with the nation in remembering those times of tribulation and how we came out of them united and stronger as a nation," Marcos said in a statement.

"I once again offer my hand of reconciliation to those with different political persuasions to come together as one in forging a better society — one that will pursue progress and peace and a better life for all Filipinos," he added.

LOOK: Pang. @bongbongmarcos, nagpadala ng bulaklak sa People Power Monument para sa ika-37 anibersaryo ng EDSA People Power Revolution. | via @MMakalalad pic.twitter.com/hyRIl6TvqO

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) February 25, 2023

On Saturday a wreath from the President was seen at the People Power Monument in Quezon City, according to a tweet by Super Radyo dzBB reporter Mark Makalalad.

Spanning four days, from February 22 to 25, the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution ended the administration of the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. 

A recent survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations showed that six in 10 Filipinos believe the spirit of the EDSA People Power Revolution is alive.

Several activities have been lined up on Saturday, February 25, to commemorate the anniversary, among them a Mass and wreath-laying at the EDSA People Power Monument.

Meanwhile, progressive group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) Secretary General Renato Reyes Jr. on Saturday said "reconciliation can only happen when there is justice."

"Without any meaningful recognition of the abuses of past, how can there be genuine reconciliation? It is not a mere difference of opinion that divides us. The fundamental contradiction is between oppressor and oppressed," he said in a statement.

"How can there be reconciliation when there are continuing human rights violations, silencing and criminalization of dissent, on top of the continuing economic suffering of the people? The Marcos offer makes for a good sound-byte but lacks sincerity and substance," Reyes added. —KG, GMA Integrated News