Writing Cue: Exclusion of EDSA in the list of 2024 holidays

Policing Philippine History

It will eternally be engraved in the history of the Philippines that on February 25, 1986, exactly
three decades and seven years ago, a non-violent protest swarmed Epifanio de Los Santos Avenue
(EDSA) that ended the rule of President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr, a 20-year dictatorship and
authoritarianism camouflaged as an unfulfilled mythological golden era. In the status quo, as his
namesake conquers Malacañang following the 2022 presidential elections, a harbinger of extreme
historical distortion and denialism is once again on a pedestal, and the Philippines should always guard its
history and never close a single eye.

Dated on October 11, 2023, Proclamation No. 368, signed by President Bongbong Marcos, has
effectively excluded the EDSA People Power Anniversary from the list of 2024 holidays, eroding its
prominence in the public consciousness. In response to the public outcry, the Office of the President
clarified that the omission was due to February 25 falling on a Sunday. The explanation further
emphasizes the seemingly trivial impact of this decision on the socio-economic landscape, as it coincides
with the regular rest day for most workers and laborers. While this rationalization attempts to assuage
concerns, it fails to address the underlying sentiment of national reverence and introspection that the
holiday signifies.

The EDSA People Power Revolution stands as a testament to the Filipino people's collective
resilience and spirit, serving as a reminder of our triumph over oppressive forces. Its historical
significance is not merely confined to a specific date but echoes through generations, inspiring
movements for democracy and social justice worldwide. By diminishing its observance, we risk diluting
the memory of the sacrifices made and the hard-fought liberties earned.

Furthermore, this decision raises questions about the government's commitment to preserving the
legacy of our democratic struggle. In an era where democratic ideas are constantly under threat globally,
relegating the commemoration of this pivotal moment to a mere technicality sends a disconcerting
message to both current and future generations. It undermines the importance of remembering our past
struggles and learning from them, imperiling our ability to safeguard the democratic values that we hold
dear.

Moreover, deliberately omitting the EDSA People Power Revolution from Philippine holidays is
a form of disrespect to the victims of martial law and a lowkey move by the administration for historical
revisionism and whitewashing of their name. According to statistics from Amnesty International, from
1972 to 1981, there were 3,240 killings, 34,000 cases of torture, and 70,000 imprisonments. Investigative
journalists were silenced, political oppositionists were abused, and ordinary dissidents were considered
threats to the administration. These serve as the physical manifestations of the late dictator's military rule
that should never be erased from the pages of history because erasing it poses a grave threat to the
integrity of a nation's historical record. By distorting or omitting key events, it undermines the public's
understanding of the past, which, in turn, can have profound implications for the present and future. When
historical revisionism is allowed to flourish, it becomes easier for authoritarian tendencies to resurface, as
society forgets the hard-earned lessons of the past.

As we navigate the complexities of our modern socio-political landscapes, it is crucial to uphold

the significance of historical milestones that define our nation's identity. While the removal of EDSA from
the national holiday seems inconsequential on the surface, its implications resonate deeply within the
fabric of our society. It's high time now for the government to enact a law recognizing the EDSA People
Power Revolution as a significant national observance. Such legislation would solidify its historical
importance and ensure its perpetual commemoration.

May we never forget the sacrifices of our predecessors and the enduring legacy of the EDSA
People Power Revolution, for in preserving our history, we fortify our path towards a more just and
equitable future. We, Filipinos, must remain vigilant against historical distortion and manipulation. As
responsible citizens, it's our duty to ensure that the truth prevails over revisionism, that the victims of the
past are remembered, and that the Philippines continues forward as a nation committed to justice,
democracy, and preserving its hard-fought history.