Filipinos say Edsa revolt lives on; memories of it must endure – SWS

The People Power Monument, the 1986 revolution landmark on Edsa in Quezon City. INQUIRER file photo / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

MANILA, Philippines — Do Filipinos still hold the spirit of the Edsa People Power Revolution in high regard?

The Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey on Thursday revealed most of them do.

However, they also voiced disappointment that few of the promises of the revolution had been fulfilled.

In its fourth quarter survey held from December 10-14, SWS found that 62 percent of respondents said the spirit of the revolution is still alive, and 57 percent also said it should be continuously commemorated.

The SWS asked the respondents in Filipino: “In your opinion, do you think that the lessons or spirit of the Edsa People Power Revolution is still alive in each Filipino?”

To this question, 41 percent said it is “somewhat alive,” 22 percent said it is “definitely alive”, 21 percent said “somewhat not alive” and 17 percent said, “definitely not alive.”

The SWS also posed this question in Filipino:  “In your opinion, do you think it is still important or not important anymore to commemorate the Edsa People Power Revolution?”

In response, 34 percent said it is “somewhat still important”, 23 percent said it is “definitely still important,” 22 percent said it is “somewhat not important anymore,” and 21 percent said it is “definitely not important anymore.”

Respondents were also asked this in Filipino: “In your opinion, how many of the Edsa People Power Revolution promises were fulfilled?”

Responding to the question, 47 percent said only “a few,” 28 percent said “almost none” and “none,” 19 percent said “most,” while five percent said “all” and “nearly all.”

The survey has 1,200 adult respondents nationwide, with a sampling error margin of  ±2.8 percent.

Now in its 37th year, the Edsa People Power Revolution commemoration is held every February 25th.

Sen. Benigno S. Aquino Jr. was assassinated at the Manila International Airport on August 21, 1983.

Millions of Filipinos gathered in the streets of Metro Manila on February 25, 1986 to mourn Aquino and protest the oppressive regime of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. The strong show of people power culminated in the Edsa Revolution, which overthrew Marcos Sr. and ushered in democratic reform.

RELATED STORY:

Ilonggo protest groups to hold EDSA anniversary rallies 

JPV/abc