President Duterte has urged Filipinos to “deeply value” the freedom and liberty that they are now enjoying because of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution.
In his message for the 33rd anniversary of the peaceful revolution yesterday, Duterte said he is hoping that the people would never forget that the democracy being enjoyed at present is due to the move of Filipinos back then.
“I am hopeful that this occasion will inspire all of us, especially the younger generation, to deeply value the freedom and liberty that we won in EDSA,” he said. “Let us never forget the sacrifice of those who came before us so that we may always be motivated to preserve and protect the democratic way of life that we enjoy today,” he added.
The President reminded the people that just like in the first People Power Revolution, the electorate has the power to chart the course of the country.
“As the entire nation prepares for the upcoming midterm elections this May, let us always remember how this historic revolution restored our power to collectively chart our future through the ballot,” Duterte said. “May we all have a profound sense of appreciation and understanding of what we lost and what we reclaimed,” he added.
Duterte noted that the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution is proof that “history can be rewritten” without resorting to violence.
“Indeed, the peaceful revolution that brought together Filipinos from all walks of life during those tense four days of February 1986 has given rise to a Philippines that was reborn from the ashes of its tumultuous past,” he said.
Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said that the lessons about life and power learned from the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution is unmistakable. (Argyll Geducos)