#EDSA32: Filipinos remember a revolution that toppled a dictator

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#EDSA32: Filipinos remember a revolution that toppled a dictator
32 years later, what are the lessons of the People Power revolution?

MANILA, Philippines – Filipinos from all walks of life commemorated on Sunday, February 25, a revolution which toppled a dictator and restored democracy in the country. 

Top government officials from different branches, agencies, and bureaus, gathered at the People Power Monument in Quezon City Monday morning. Among those present included former president Fidel Ramos and Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno. 

Former President Fidel Ramos (center), Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno along with the 1986 Edsa Revolution key players led the 32nd anniversary celebration of the EDSA People Power Revolution at the People Power Monument on Sunday, February 25, 2018. The revolt toppled Ferdinand Marcos from power in 1986. Photo by Darren Langit/Rappler

Ramos played a huge part in the bloodless revolution, the culmination of years of protests and acts of resistance against the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos. Ramos was among the top generals of the military during Marcos’ rule. 

He, alongside other officials from the military and the defense sector, eventually revolted against Marcos as thousands of Filipinos took to the streets to call for the dictator’s ouster. 

Marcos placed the entire country under Martial Law in 1972. Even after he lifted it in 1981, he continued to rule with an iron fist. The Marcos years are marred by human rights abuses, the pilferage of the country’s coffers, and the supression of dissent.

Photo by Maria Tan/Rappler

Photo by Maria Tan/Rappler

REMEMBERING EDSA. Officers from different uniformed services take part in the yearly celebration. Photo by Angie de Silva/Rappler

REMEMBERING EDSA. The historic 'Salubungan' between the civilian, church people and the military and police during the 32nd anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution at the People Power Monument in Edsa Quezon City on Sunday, February 25, 2018. The revolt toppled Ferdinand Marcos from power in 1986. Photo by DARREN LANGIT

GENERAL RAMOS. Former president Fidel Ramos, a military general who revolted against Marcos, attends the 32nd People Power Revolution Anniversary. Photo by Angie de Silva/Rappler

Over at Mendiola, in the city of Manila, groups also gathered to remember the revolution. 

Among the personalities at the demonstrations there included Judy Taguiwalo, the former Social Welfare Secretary of President Rodrigo Duterte. Taguiwalo herself was a victim of human rights abuses during the Marcos regime. 

EDSA'S MEMORIES. Progressive groups gather at the Don Chino Roces Bridge in Mendiola on February 25, 2018. Photo by Angie de Silva/Rappler

Protesters in Mendiola also voiced opposition to “Duterte’s dictatorship.”Taguiwalo was nominated to the post by the Left, upon Duterte’s own suggestion. She left her post after she was rejected by the Commission on Appointments. 

Photo by Angie de Silva/Rappler

Photo by Angie de Silva/Rappler

Duterte’s pronouncements and strong stance on issues have caused critics to label him a dictator. Duterte, who is known to be tough against crime, has taken than toughness to threats against human rights defenders, who have raised alarm over the alleged abuses of the government. 

The former Davao mayor has also placed the entire Mindanao island under martial law, following an attempted takeover by local terror groups. The proclamation has been extended for an entire full year. 

Photo by Angie de Silva/Rappler

In Bacolod City, meanwhile, National Union of Journalists of the Philippines national director Nonoy Espina called on the public to support the press, amid threats from no less than Duterte himself. 

BACOLOD REMEMBERS. National Union of Journalists of the Philippines national director Nonoy Espina calls on the public to stand with the press during the 32nd commemoration of Edsa People Power revolution in Bacolod City, Saturday. Photo by Marchel P. Espina/Rappler

Duterte has openly attacked the media for allegedly making unfair reports. 

He has publicly lambasted ABS-CBN, the Philippine Daily Inquirer, and Rappler for its reports. His tirades have also included the owners of these media companies.

Media and human rights groups have criticized Duterte and his administration for these actions. – Rappler.com

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