Date Published: February 26, 2025
Time Published: 9:28 PM
Universities and educational institutions across the Philippines suspended classes on February 25, to commemorate the 39th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution amid growing concerns over efforts to downplay its historical significance.
The declaration of February 25 as a "special working day" by the MalacaΓ±ang failed to prevent De La Salle Philippines and the University of the Philippines from organizing activities focused on freedom and justice to remember the revolution's legacy.
Protests organized by youth activists spread across the nation recalling the significant role students played in fighting against the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. in the 1970s and 1980s.
Organizers stressed their commitment to fight against history revisionism efforts, with Maria Sol Taule of the human rights group Karapatan sating, "There is a disinformation campaign targeting young people seeking to whitewash the abuses and atrocities under Marcos Sr.'s rule. There should be a pushback against these attempts while speaking the truth about the dictatorship."
The government denied accusations of erasing EDSA from public memory.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro responded to criticism, stating, “Papaano po mabubura ang history? History is history. So, hindi po kakayanin po lang ng Presidente na ito ay mabura sa ating history.”
The leaders of various churches supported the campaign asking Filipino citizens to stay vigilant in their fight against oppression and injustice.
In a statement, Archbishop Socrates Villegas emphasized, "Be involved and be engaged in matters that affect the nation and the world. For us Christians, it is a sin to live only for yourself. Be men and women for others.”
The palace faced criticism for not recognizing February 25 as a national non-working holiday despite the widespread protests and discussions across the nation.
Critics argued that recognizing the revolution through official means would reinforce its importance for future generations.
With ongoing debates over the representation of history, many remain committed to preserving the lessons of the People Power movement.
Activists, educators, and religious leaders vowed to continue efforts in upholding truth and democracy.
REFERENCES:
[1] Dela PeΓ±a, K. (2025, February 24). Feb 25 school holidays: Protesting ‘distortion of history. Inquirer.net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2037497/feb-25-school-holidays-protesting-distortion-of-history
[2] Gutierrez, P. (2025, February 25). Palace: No intention to fade memories of EDSA revolt. ABS-CBN News. https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/2/25/palace-no-intention-to-fade-memories-of-edsa-revolt-1354
[3] Cupin, B. (2025, February 25). Marcos ‘can’t erase history?’ Palace downplays People Power anniversary. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/malacanang-response-downplays-edsa-people-power-commemoration-february-2025/
[4] Laqui, I. (2025, February 25). 39 Years After EDSA: Religious leaders call for resistance vs oppression". Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/02/25/2424101/39-years-after-edsa-religious-leaders-call-resistance-vs-oppression
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