By: John Eric Mendoza
An anniversary rally was held at People Power Monument in Quezon City, Saturday, to commemorate the 33rd anniversary of EDSA People Power, a historic event in which millions of Filipinos toppled former dictator Ferdinand Marcos peacefully. Amid the alleged injustices and the undermining of democratic institutions under the current administration—its staunchest critics either impeached or imprisoned with alleged trumped-up charges—many feared our current situation might call for another “people power.” But Sen. Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV calls for another way for citizens to air their grievances: through the ballot.
“The people power of today is vote power … I’m hoping come May, the power of the people will be displayed again,” Aquino said during an interview at the rally at the People Power monument.
Bam Aquino, who admits being part of the opposition is difficult in these trying times, said that somebody has to do it, to keep the government in check and accountable to their actions.
Other candidates of Otso Diretso slate called on Filipinos to remember EDSA values, saying this is as relevant as ever, amid the recent happenings under the Duterte Administration.
Human rights lawyer Chel Diokno said the People Power should be remembered as an event that shaped our democracy as we know it.
While former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay believes that on this “very dark and challenging times,” this commemoration gives Filipino people the opportunity to realize their power.
“Every dictatorship tries to separate people from power. The challenge for us is to ensure that people recover this power that they have, he said.
Young ECHO 
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