On October 14, 2023, President “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. declared the removal of the EDSA People Power Revolution special non-working holiday from the calendar — a yearly celebration that serves as a reminder of the historic revolt that ended his father's dictatorship on February 25, 1986.

The EDSA People Power Revolution emphasizes the collective, democratic power of the Filipino people, which should be commemorated nationwide. Filipinos from across the country rallied in a sustained campaign of civil resistance from February 22 to 25, 1986, in a dire attempt to fight against electoral fraud and martial law's violent regime. This revolution serves as a cornerstone for the citizens of the Philippines, as it led to the successful departure of Ferdinand Marcos, ending his 20-year-long dictatorship that terrorized our country.

On the day of its removal, many critics and survivors immediately denounced the decision, saying it was an 'abhorrent' attempt to revise history. To avoid disgracing his late father's image, he removed a revolutionary event from the calendar—an event that brought the country together to cease an overarching evil within the country. Given the choice of carrying his father's sin from the past as well as being reverent towards the nation and its people, he chose the former, showing his intention of concealing the martial law regime.

However, history should not be enshrouded for the sake of 'namesake' and pride. The People Power Revolution served as a crucial turning point for the restoration of democracy amidst the fascist regime of the Marcos administration. The atrocious acts of the former president, such as the assassination of Ninoy Aquino in 1983, fraudulent vote buying in the 1986 snap elections, and decades of oppressive and autocratic rule, fueled the protestors of resistance and empowered the country to revolt against his rule. Such an event should be immortalized until our country ceases to exist, serving as part of our governance’s calendar as a solemn reminder of our power as citizens of our nation.

We, citizens of the country, should strive to use our voice to combat efforts that undermine the significance of a revolutionary event in history. The Philippines is a democratic nation at heart, emphasizing the momentous impact of the citizens on the country’s future. Let us remember that we are not under an authoritarian rule, but in a society built on accountability, expression, and freedom. 

References:
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1845454/marcos-removes-edsa-from-list-of-holidays

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/2/24/ncrpo-holds-final-coordinating-conference-for-40th-edsa-anniversary-1731

https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP86T00302R001001600002-5.pdf

https://www.nytimes.com/1986/02/10/world/observers-of-vote-cite-wide-fraud-by-marcos-party.html

https://www.britannica.com/place/Philippines/Martial-law