EDSA revolt should remind Filipinos to stand up for what is right, fight for freedom
By Raymund Antonio
Vice President Leni Robredo on Monday said the 1986 EDSA Revolution should remind Filipinos of its lessons for them to stand up for what is right, and fight threats to their freedom in the present day.
Vice President Leni Robredo (OVP / MANILA BULLETIN)
“Sa mapanghamong panahon ngayon, kailangan nating humugot ng inspirasyon sa mga nauna sa atin at sa mga lumalaban kasama natin, at sama-samang manindigan para sa tama,” she said.
(In these challenging times, we have to draw inspiration from the people before us who fought and stood together for what is right.)
“Hindi ito panahon para matakot at manahimik na lang sa tabi (This is not the time to fear and to be silent),” Robredo added.
The Vice President, who chairs the opposition Liberal Party, recognized that the spirit of People Power remains significant to this day in her message to Filipinos for the 33rd anniversary of the EDSA Revolution.
“Mahalaga ang araw na ito, dahil ipinagdiriwang natin ang pinapangalagaan nating kalayaan at demokrasya,” the lady official said.
(This day is important because we celebrate for the freedom and democracy that we have protected.)
The 1986 People Power Revolution led to the ouster of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, who was accused of massive corruption, cronyism, and human rights violations.
Robredo has been a staunch critic of the abuses under the Marcos regime.
She said the peaceful revolution that restored the country’s democracy should serve as a reminder “power truly resides in ordinary Filipinos uniting for the common good.”
“At hanggang ngayon, naniniwala ako na buhay na buhay ang diwang ito sa bawat isa sa atin. Kung tayo ay patuloy na mananalig, kung tayo ay kakapit sa ating paniniwala, at kung tayo ay kikilos ng sama-sama, makakamit natin ang tagumpay na ating hinahangad,” she added.
(And until now, I believe this spirit is much alive to everyone. If we will continuously keep our faith, affirm our beliefs, and act together, we will achieve the success we aspire for.)