Aquino family says, ‘There is no doubt: the spirit of Edsa is alive’

FILE PHOTO: Supporters flash the Laban sign as they sing “Magkaisa” during a rally lead by Tindig Pilipinas to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of celebration of EDSA People Power revolution at the People Power monument in Quezon City on February 26, 2018. INQUIRER / RICHARD A. REYES

MANILA, Philippines —”Walang duda: buhay ang diwa ng Edsa.” (There is no doubt: the spirit of Edsa is alive)

The family of former senator Benigno S. Aquino Jr. declared this Saturday, as the nation celebrates the 37th anniversary of the 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution.

In a message, the Aquino family evoked the “heroism of the Filipino people who fought to end the Marcos dictatorship, thus restoring democracy in our country.”

The 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution, the family said, proved to the world that the Filipino people’s courage and genuine unity could restore freedom that was eclipsed by the dictatorship.

“We believe that the indomitable spirit exemplified by one Filipino nation 37 years ago remains alive to this very day.”

They also believed that “it is that same spirit that guards and protects our democracy, confronting those who attempt to deceive us and undermine our rights and liberties.”

FILE PHOTO: People occupied Edsa for several days to protect reformist soldiers involved in
a coup attempt against the Marcos regime in February 1986. From the People Powerbook, The Philippine Revolution of 1986

The Aquino family then expressed their solidarity with people opposing the return of dictatorship and efforts to revise the unified memory of the fight to obtain freedom for the country, as well as with people working toward a better and more free future of the nation.

READ: Marcos’ martial law: Golden age for corruption, abuses

“Nakikiisa tayo sa lahat ng kumikilos para isabuhay ang diwa ng Edsa. Walang duda: buhay ang diwa ng Edsa,” they said.

(We stand in solidarity with all who act to live the spirit of Edsa. There is no doubt: the spirit of Edsa is alive.)

READ: Edsa People Power after 36 years: Who played key roles? (Part one)

FILE PHOTO: Two days after this scene, the mammoth crowd on Edsa would rejoice over the news of dictator Ferdinand Marcos finally leaving Malacañang and fleeing the country with his family and cronies. February 25 has since been a public holiday. INQUIRER FILES

The murder of Benigno S. Aquino Jr. at the tarmac of the Manila International Airport on August 21, 1983, set off widespread protests and public action and served as among the catalysts for the Edsa People Power Revolution that clamored for a change in government.

READ: 36 years later: The key figures in Edsa People Power (Part two)

The bloodless uprising in 1986 saw the gathering of millions of Filipinos along the streets of Metro Manila, and the ouster of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the father of the country’s incumbent Chief Executive Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

KGA