The government has no intention to erase the memories of the EDSA People Power uprising by declaring February 25, 2025 only as a special working day.
In a briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the administration would not hinder any organization or institution from commemorating the 39th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, the historic non-violent civil protest in 1986 that ousted the father and namesake of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“As of now, February 25 is declared a special working day and I think it is the prerogative of the President. And when we say special working day, still there is encouragement to people to commemorate, to join any event”, said Castro.
Authorities on Tuesday estimated about 6,000 people who flocked to the historic Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) in Quezon City to commemorate the 39th anniversary of the 1986 People Power uprising.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte led the flag and wreath-laying ceremonies with officials from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) headed by chairperson Regalado Jose Jr. on Tuesday morning at the People Power Monument along EDSA in Quezon City.
According to the Quezon City Police District, the Philippine National Police deployed 941 personnel to secure EDSA as thousands of rallyists started gathering at the area by 2:30 p.m. onwards.
Civil society and student-led organizations, as well as activist groups, participated in this year’s anniversary rites across Metro Manila. Several schools and universities suspended classes while students in two universities walked out of classes.
“They are given the freedom to do that kaya po hindi natin sinasabing ang Pangulo ay humahadlang sa anumang balakin ng anumang organisasyon, unibersidad sa kanilang mga gagawing activities. So, kung balak po nila talaga na sila ay walang klase, it’s up to them. Free po sila to do that,” Castro said.