De Lima blasts efforts to discredit gains of Edsa People Power

Former Sen. Leila De Lima (center) and Bayan Muna chair Atty. Neri Colmenares (right) join the celebration of the 38th anniversary of the Edsa People Power Revolution in front of the Edsa Shrine on Feb 25, 2024. INQUIRER.net / Ryan Leagogo

MANILA, Philippines — Former Sen. Leila de Lima on Sunday condemned the alleged efforts to discredit the 1986 People Power Revolution, saying that “propaganda” has been circulating to smear the revolt as the source of the country’s recurring problems.

“The propaganda is intensifying to destroy the spirit of Edsa because they know that as long as Edsa remains alive, they will never succeed in their agenda,” De Lima said in Filipino at a program during the 38th anniversary of the bloodless revolt in front of Edsa Shrine.

The People Power Revolution was referred to as a “brief shining moment” in Philippine history as millions of Filipinos convened to successfully and peacefully topple the dictatorship of former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

But throughout the years, some Filipinos called the revolution a “failure” as leaders have yet to put structural changes in place, effectively making the country the same as it was before the revolt.

READ: Some of 1986 Edsa ideals for labor sector yet to be fulfilled – leaders

“Massive disinformation and historical revision aim to make it appear that the Edsa People Power Revolution was the cause of the country’s suffering,” she added.

De Lima, however, did not name those who she said were spreading disinformation and propaganda against the revolution, but said that the Filipino people will continue fighting for its ideals of democracy.

“We refuse to be deceived, we refuse to be silenced. We refuse to allow our history to be rewritten. The fight for truth, justice, and democracy continues. The battle of Edsa continues,” she stressed.

The former legislator was incarcerated due to drug charges during the administration of then-President Rodrigo Duterte in February 2017 but was released on bail in November 2023.

She has repeatedly said that the charges against her were “trumped up” and were a part of a campaign to discredit her after opposing Duterte’s bloody war on drugs.

Never forget

Former political detainee Satur Ocampo told Inquirer.net at the sidelines of Sunday’s program that this year’s commemoration of the revolt continues the annual message of remembering how Filipinos managed to topple a dictator.

“This celebration emphasizes the relevance of this revolution. We should not forget Edsa 1986,” Ocampo said.

This year’s commemoration of the bloodless revolt is the second that was held during the administration of former President Marcos Sr.’s son, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

This year’s celebration was also not declared as a holiday, as stated under Proclamation No. 368 signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on October 11, 2023.

READ: February 25, Edsa People Power Anniversary, not a holiday in 2024

But for Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro, “no holiday, no problem” in celebrating the bloodless revolution.

“Even if today is not declared as a holiday, I think this further encourages our compatriots to take part in this commemoration. The people have become more aware, and they are more willing to participate,” she told Inquirer.net in an interview.

“No holiday, no problem, as long as Filipinos continue to fight for Edsa and its ideals,” she added.

The 38th commemoration of the People Power Revolution on Sunday was joined by several pro-democracy groups including those representing farmers, laborers, and religious sects.

The groups collectively campaigned against Charter change, which they alleged were only for the self-interest of its movers and would not solve the country’s recurring problems of poverty and corruption.