29th Edsa revolt anniversary a special holiday, but for schools only–Palace

By: Nestor Corrales - 10 years ago

WE REMEMBER YELLOW. Confetti rains on the Edsa parade at the People Power Monument to mark the 26th anniversary of the uprising that ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and returned democracy to the people. Some of Edsa’s major players, including Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile who has snubbed most previous commemorations, are joined by political and civil society leaders who lock arms to renew their pledge to keep alive the Edsa spirit. Up front from left are Rep. Roilo Golez, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, presidential adviser Ronald Llamas, Sen. Gringo Honasan, Sen. Tito Sotto, Speaker Sonny Belmonte, ex-President Fidel Ramos, Vice President Jejomar Binay, President Aquino, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., ex-President Joseph Estrada, Enrile, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Butz Aquino and Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. At right is Freddie Aguilar. COMPOSITE PHOTO BY EDWIN BACASMAS AND RAFFY LERMA

COMPOSITE FILE PHOTO BY EDWIN BACASMAS AND RAFFY LERMA

MANILA, Philippines—The 29^th anniversary of the Edsa People Power revolution on February 25 has been declared by Malacañang as a special holiday for schools nationwide.

On its official Twitter account Official Gazette PH (@govph), Malacañang said that Wednesday, February 25, is a “special holiday for schools only” in accordance with Proclamation 831 signed by President Benigno Aquino III.

Government and privately-run offices, meanwhile, will be in their normal operations this Wednesday.

The Edsa People Power Revolution in 1986 ended the regime of then President Ferdinand Marcos, who served the country for 21 years, and catapulted Corazon Aquino to power as the new Philippine president.

But amid the Edsa People Power commemoration, various activists are calling for the resignation of the younger Aquino amid the botched Mamasapano operation, which killed 44 commandos of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF).

But Malacañang said Aquino is resolute in finishing his term until 2016.