President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has offered his hand of reconciliation to those with “different political persuasions” during the 37th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution as he appealed for unity in a bid to build a better society for Filipinos.
“As we look back to a time in our history that divided the Filipino people, I am one with the nation in remembering those times of tribulation and how we came out of them united and stronger as a nation,” Mr. Marcos said in a statement.
“I once again offer my hand of reconciliation to those with different political persuasions to come together as one in forging a better society — one that will pursue progress and peace and a better life for all Filipinos,” the President added.
The bloodless revolution, which culminated on Feb. 25, 1986, installed Cory Aquino into the presidency after President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. left the country.
In a separate statement Saturday, the Aquino family said the spirit of EDSA remains alive 37 years on.
“Today, we remember the heroism of the Filipino people who fought to end the Marcos dictatorship, thus restoring democracy in our country,” the family said in a statement posted on the Ninoy & Cory Aquino Foundation Facebook page.
“The EDSA People Power Revolution showed the world that it was possible for a courageous and truly unified people to reclaim the freedom that a dictatorship had denied them. We believe that the indomitable spirit exemplified by one Filipino nation 37 years ago remains alive to this very day,” the Aquino family added.
As leftist rock music blared over a loudspeaker, hundreds of protesters, including survivors of Martial law, marched on the “People Power” monument in Manila on Saturday.
Organizers said “at least 1,500” people attended the rally, but an AFP reporter at the site estimated around 700 people were there, many seeking relief from the tropical heat in the shade of trees or umbrellas.
President Marcos sent a large wreath of white flowers to the monument, which is near the city’s main thoroughfare where the bloodless uprising had been held nearly four decades ago. With AFP