Why the Celebration of the People Power Revolution in the Philippines Still Matters Today

The People Power Revolution, also known as the EDSA Revolution, was a historic event that occurred in the Philippines in 1986. It was a peaceful mass protest that resulted in the end of the dictatorship of President Ferdinand Marcos and the restoration of democracy in the country. The revolution was sparked by widespread discontent with the Marcos regime, which was marked by human rights abuses, corruption, and economic mismanagement. The peaceful nature of the revolution and the unity of the Filipino people in their call for change were key factors in its success.

The celebration of the People Power Revolution serves as a reminder of the importance of democracy and the sacrifices made to achieve it. It is a time to honor the memory of those who fought for freedom and to reflect on the lessons of the past. The revolution was a turning point in Philippine history, marking the end of a dark period of authoritarian rule and the beginning of a new era of freedom and democracy.

However, the fact that the son of the late President Ferdinand Marcos, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., is now the president of the Philippines may lead to differing opinions on the significance and value of the People Power Revolution today. Some may argue that the election of Marcos Jr. is a step backward and that the country is at risk of returning to the same type of authoritarian rule that existed under his father's regime. Others may see it as a sign of forgiveness and a move forward, as the country has not seen any major human rights violations under his rule.

It's important to note that the People Power Revolution was not only a political event, it was also a social and cultural one. It was a moment when the Filipino people came together to demand change and assert their rights as citizens. It was a time when the people stood up for what they believed in and refused to be silenced by fear. The revolution was a powerful expression of the Filipino spirit and resilience.

Furthermore, the People Power Revolution should be celebrated as a reminder of the importance of civil society in promoting democracy and good governance. The role of civil society in the revolution was crucial in uniting the people, raising awareness of the issues, and providing support to the opposition. Today, civil society organizations play a significant role in monitoring government actions and holding elected officials accountable.

Celebrating the People Power Revolution is still significant and has value today. It serves as a reminder of the importance of democracy and the sacrifices made to achieve it. The revolution was a turning point in Philippine history, and it should be celebrated as a reminder of the strength of the Filipino people and the power of peaceful protest. The fact that the son of the late President Ferdinand Marcos is now the president of the Philippines may lead to differing opinions on the significance and value of the People Power Revolution. Still, it should not detract from the importance of the event and the lessons it holds for the future of the country.