PH commemorates 38th EDSA People Power Revolution anniversary

Hundreds of Filipinos on Sunday observed the 38th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution in several parts of Metro Manila.

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) led the commemorative rites at the People Power Monument in Quezon City to pay tribute to the historic event. 

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), meanwhile, officiated the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies. 

WATCH: Wreath-laying ceremony, isinagawa rin sa People Power Monument ngayong ika-38 anibersaryo ng EDSA Revolution. | via @allangatus pic.twitter.com/UA2EUBkEbx

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) February 25, 2024

 

In Makati City, over a hundred cyclists, skaters and runners flocked on Ayala Avenue for the “EDSA Freedom Ride,” which was organized by Akbayan Party in collaboration with other groups. 

The event started with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the monument of former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. A send-off was conducted after for the participants who were dressed in the symbolic yellow and white shirts of the political opposition. 

Akbayan Party said the event was also initiated in a bid to protect the 1987 Constitution against any attempts to revise it. 

"While acknowledging that our Constitution is not flawless and must evolve with changing times, we denounce any efforts to exploit constitutional amendments and revisions for narrow political gains, which undermine the democratic legacy of EDSA," Akbayan President Rafaela David said in a statement. 

The Manila City government also offered flowers at the monument of the late President Corazon Aquino along Padre Burgos Avenue. 

LOOK: Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Maynila, nag-alay ng bulaklak sa bantayog ni dating Pangulong Cory Aquino sa Padre Burgos Ave., Maynila ngayong ika-38 anibersaryo ng EDSA People Power. | via @luisitosantos03 pic.twitter.com/UjC3VsBzjM

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) February 25, 2024

A multimedia musical event by the Buhay ang Edsa Campaign Network called, "The EDSA Story-- A People's Victory, A Nation's Glory" was also held at the Club Filipino in San Juan City to commemorate the non-violent uprising. Aquino was sworn in as the President of the Philippines in a simple ceremony at the establishment.

In attendance were members of the Aquino family that included Viel Aquino-Dee, one of the daughter of the late president as well as former senators Leila de Lime and Rene Saguisag and members of the cabinets of Cory Aquino and her son, the late President Noynoy Aquino.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) earlier said around 8,500 cops will be deployed to secure the conduct of rallies in the National Capital Region and Cebu on the anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution.

The 38th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution is not on the list of holidays for 2024.

In a statement, the Office of the President maintained its respect for the commemoration of the event in 1986 but since February 25 falls on a Sunday, "there is a minimal socio-economic impact in declaring such a day as a special non-working holiday since it coincides with the rest day for most workers/laborers.”

According to a Super Radyo dzBB report, police continued to maintain a presence at the People Power Monument after ceremonies. Several groups of around 100 people gathered near the monument but were prohibited from conducting their activities at the monument itself. by police. One lane along White Plains Ave. was closed to pave way for more programs in the afternoon commemorating People Power anniversary while another lane was open to traffic headed to Katipunan Ave. and Temple Drive.

In Cebu, several groups marched along Osmena Blvd to Colon Street to commemorate the People Power and protest Charter change, according to Jaime Paglinawan, chairperson of AMA-Sugbo KMU.—Giselle Ombay/RF, GMA Integrated News