Confetti rains over the EDSA People Power Monument on Wednesday, 25 February 2025, as various government agencies and cause-oriented groups gather to commemorate the 39th anniversary of the historic EDSA People Power Revolution. The peaceful revolt in 1986 led to the ousting of then-president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and marked a pivotal moment in Philippine history, symbolizing the power of the people in restoring democracy.
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Yummie Dingding
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Malacañang on Tuesday refuted accusations that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is attempting to erase the 1986 People Power Revolution from history after he declared 25 February a special working day instead of a holiday.
The historic event led to the ousting of his father, former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., ending his two-decade rule.
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro defended Marcos, asserting that he has not prevented the commemoration of the uprising.
“It is the opinion of those who plans to criticize the President and the government. First of all, let's think about it, has the President stopped any activity related to the commemoration of the EDSA People [Power]? Since the time he became president, we have not heard of any stopping of any events [or] any activities that could commemorate the said event,” Castro said.
“Let's take a look at it, how can history be erased? History is history. So, the President cannot just erase this from our history,” she added.
In 2023, Marcos issued a message on EDSA Day, calling for “peace, unity, and reconciliation.”
Regarding concerns that 25 February was turned into a working day, Castro emphasized that such decisions fall under the President’s prerogative.
“When we say special working day, still there is encouragement to people to commemorate, to join any event and it will not hinder any activity to commemorate the EDSA People Power,” she said.
She also noted that universities and other institutions are free to conduct their own commemorative activities.
“They are given the freedom to do that. That's why we're not saying that the President is obstructing any plan of any organization, university in their activities. So, if they really plan to suspend classes, it's up to them. They're free to do that,” Castro added.
Despite the ongoing discussions, Malacañang did not release any statement on this year’s commemoration of the People Power Revolution. The last time Marcos issued a message for the event was in 2023.
Meanwhile, on foreign relations, Malacañang welcomed the exemption of Philippine security funding from the U.S. aid freeze, emphasizing its importance for national defense and AFP modernization.
The Palace also assured the public that while Cabinet evaluations are ongoing, no immediate changes have been decided. Discussions on misinformation regulation are under review, focusing on clear legal definitions. Officials also acknowledged transportation infrastructure delays but reaffirmed the government's commitment to improvements, while leadership transitions within the PCO under Secretary J. Ruiz remain under assessment.
